I ^a25i 
£37 Fa- 

L J 



3> "V. 



,0 



N " \ V 



If 




o 



%■§ 




X 



In 



House, Cheltenham, sold July and August 
1859, 8vo, cloth, 4s 1859 
ooo CATALOGUES. See also under 

Bibliothec^e and De Bure. 
146 CATALOGUS Bibliothecze Harleian^e, 
4 vols., hf.-cf., gt. t 1 os 6d 

Tho. Osborne, 1743-44 
The margins of vol. iv. have been mended. 
U7 CATALOGUS librorum Bibliothecce 



X^x^' - y * SI 



132 CARSTAIRES, Rev. John, Minister of 
the High Church, Glasgow. Notices of his 
Life, with a number of his unpublished 
Letters, and Letters of other Scottish 
Worthies, by Rev. William Ferrie, 3 
genealogical tables, 8 vo, cl. , unctit, 10s 6d 1 843 
The author's own copy, with alterations and correc- 
tions in MS. Inscribed on fly-leaf, "This copy most 
carefully revised, and completely corrected by me — 
William Ferrie." 



LIFE AND LETTERS 

OF 

THE REY. JOHN CARSTAIRES, 

MINISTER OF THE HIGR CHURCH, GLASGOW. 



NOTICES OF THE LIFE 



OF 



THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES, 

MINISTER OF THE HIGH CHURCH, GLASGOW. 



AVITH 



A NUMBER OF HIS UNPUBLISHED LETTERS, 



AND 



THE LETTERS OF OTHER SCOTTISH WORTHIES. 



BY THE 

REV. WILLIAM FERRIE, A.M., 

MINISTER OF THE PARISH OF ANSTRUTHER EASTER, 



" Who has not heard of the eminently learned and pious Mr John Carstaires, 
of the High Church of Glasgow ? A man who ranks with the Durhams, and the 
Grays, and the Dicksons, of his day ! That was the Principal's Father."— Dr 
Andbew Thomson, in the Christian Instructor for March 1 827. 



EDINBURGH: 
PRINTED BY THE EDINBURGH PRINTING CO. 

M.DCCC.XLIII. 



EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY, 12, SOUTH ST DAYID STREET. 



96 



TO HIS GRACE 

JOHN DOUGLAS EDWARD HENRY CAMPBELL, 

SEVENTH DUKE OF ARGYLL. 
My Lord Duke, 

Representing, as you do, 
the illustrious Marquis of Argyll, who, in former days, 
was stirred up by God so nobly to support and die 
for Presbytery ; — and being yourself distinguished as 
a Friend of the Church, by your introduction of a 
Bill into the House of Lords, having for its object to se- 
cure the full recognition, by the Legislature, of the Ec- 
clesiastical Rights of the people of Scotland ; — and being 
blessed to have a son of the highest promise, who has 
already, though but in his nonage, contributed, in no 
small degree, by his writings, to enlighten the Peers of 
the realm, and the country generally, on the nature and 
objects of the present struggles of the National Esta- 
blishment : — and, besides, being the Head of one of the 
oldest, noblest, and most influential families in Scotland, 
I cannot but feel very highly flattered, by the permission 



vi 



DEDICATION. 



kindly granted me, to dedicate the following Notices and 
Letters to your Grace, and now avail myself of it, with 
every sentiment of respect, and with the most devoted 
attachment to your Grace's person, house, and family. 

I have the honour to be, 

My Lord Duke, 

Your Grace's most sincere 
and faithful Servant, 

WILLIAM FJERRIK 



PREFACE. 



The Letters to be found in this volume were carefully 
collected and preserved by Charles Mackay, Professor 
of Civil History in the College of Edinburgh, and step- 
son of Margaret Carstaires, daughter of Mr John. This 
accomplished scholar, at his death, bequeathed his library 
and MSS., with other legacies, to Principal M'Cor- 
mick of St Andrews, at the same time making request 
that the State Papers of Principal Carstares, which were 
conveyed among the rest, might be published by him, 
along with a memoir of their author. 

The library of Principal M'Cormick having been left 
to his daughter, Mrs Ferrie, the writer of the following 
Notices discovered, in turning over the MSS. in one of 
the old charter-chests of Professor Mackay, the letters 
that he now makes public. 

At first it was not his intention to give them to the 
world ; but, being filled with admiration of their spirit, and 



Vlll 



PREFACE 



fearing lest the hand of time, which had already consider- 
ably mutilated some of them, might ere long destroy them 
all, he resolved to copy them distinctly out while legible, 
and have them printed for private circulation among his 
relatives. Various clergymen, however, having perused 
them, and expressed a desire to have a copy of them, he 
at length came to the resolution to publish an edition 
considerably larger than the one at first intended ; and 
now sends it forth in the expectation that, though it may 
contribute little to extend the information of the antiqua- 
rian regarding the events of former times, yet the ge- 
neral reader may be benefited by it even as by the per- 
usal of the Letters of Rutherford, or those of other 
eminently pious naen. 

isifre can be little doubt that, as the epistles of Mr 
Carstaires relate very much to domestic events, and some 
of them even to the most private matters of his own 
history, he (had he been alive) would not have suffered 
them tn jUaa-ll ton f Hf sent abroad. But, as they tell no- 
thing against him, so far as their publisher can judge, 
and will, undoubtedly, tend not only to raise him most 
highly in the esteem of right-thinking Christians, but also 
to improve the Christian spirit, it is not felt that this con- 
sideration should have any influence in preventing their 
publication. 



PREFACE. 



ix 



It seemed to be necessary that a Life of Carstaires 
should be prefixed to the volume, and, therefore, this was 
immediately undertaken ; but, as the period at which he 
lived is now remote, its writer is hopeful he will obtain the 
forgiveness of the public should the following Notices ap- 
pear too scanty, or at all disjointed. 

With regard to the want of allusion to the Life of Prin- 
cipal Carstares, the distinguished son of Mr John — this 
was intended. To have published the Life and Corre- 
spondence of both father and son in one volume, would 
have been to have undertaken too large a work, and one 
demanding more time and attention than the few leisure 
hours of the first years of a clerical life could have well 
afforded. And, moreover, it seemed better that the life 
of each of these distinguished men should be suitably 
attended to, than that a curtailed or rapidly-written sketch 
should be published of both. 

Should the lover of the dust of Zion find, on glancing 
over the pages of this volume, either that his religious 
enthusiasm is kindled, or his interest in the stirring times 
of old increased, the Editor will be satisfied, and feel 
abundantly rewarded. 



May the Lord be with all those who read them ; for, 



X 



PREFACE. 



whatever be their deficiencies, the Editor feels satisfied 
that, in a moral point of view, he will never require to 
repent of giving them forth. 

They were copied out in 1842; which will account for 
Wodrow's Analecta and Baillie's Letters being quoted, 
as " books going through the press." 

The Editor begs to acknowledge himself obliged to 
various distinguished gentlemen, for their kindness in cor- 
responding with him, with the view of affording him infor- 
mation ; and, in particular, to David Laing, Esq., of the 
Signet Library, Edinburgh ; Principal Lee of the Uni- 
versity of Edinburgh ; Dr Steven, Governor of Heriot's 
Hospital ; and Dr Leishman of Govan, author of the 
Life of Binning, prefixed to the new edition of his works. 



James MelvilVs Watch Tower, 
Manse, East Anstruther, 
March, 1843. 



CONTENTS. 



Notices of the Lite of the Reverend J ohn Carstaires, 1 
Notes to the above, - - - 51 

Letters of the Rev. J ohn Carstaires, and other Scottish Wor- 
thies : — 



A.D. 








1649. 


1. 


Mr J ohn Carstaires to Mrs Wood, 


57 


1650. 


2. 


The Same to the Same, 


59 




3. 


Mr J ames Wood to his Wife, 


60 




4. 


Mr J ohn Carstaires to his Wife, 


61 




5. 


The Same to the Same, 


66 




6. 


The Same to the Same, 


68 




7. 


The Same to the Same, 


72 




8. 


The Same to the Same, 


74 


1651. 


9. 


The Same to Mr Durham, 


77 


L661-2. 10. 


Uncle of Mr Carstaires to him, 


79 


1661. 


11. 


M'Ward to Carstaires, - 


82 




12. 


Anonymous to M 4 Ward, 


83 




13. 


Rev. Mr Peacock to M'Ward, - 


84 




14. 


to Captain Govan or Carstaires, - 


86 


1662. 


15. 


Mr J ohn Carstaires to his Wife, - 


87 




16. 


The Same to the Same, 


89 




17. 


The Same to the Same, 


91 




17.* 


The Same to the Same, 


94 




18. 


The Same to the Same, 


96 




19. 


The Same to the Same, 


97 


1663. 


20. 


The Same to the Same, 


98 




21. 


The Same to the Same, 


99 



XI 1 



CONTENTS. 



A. D. paoe 

1663. 22. Mr John Carstaires to his Wife, - - 101 

23. The Same to Mrs Durham, - - 102 

24. The Same to his Wife, - - 103 

1664. 25. The Same to the Same, - - 104 

26. The Same to the Same, - - 106 
26 * The Same to the Same, - - 107 

27. The Same to the Same, - - 109 

28. The Same to the Same, - - 110 

29. The Same to the Same, - 111 

30. The Same to the Same, - - 115 

31. The Same to the Same, - 117 

32. The Same to the Same, - - 119 

33. The Same to the Same, - - 121 

34. The Same to the Same, - - 123 

35. The Same to the Same, - 126 

36. The Same to the Same, - - 129 

37. The Same to the Same, - 131 

38. The Same to the Same, - - 136 

39. Probably M'Ward to Mrs Carstaires, - 141 

40. Mr John Carstaires to Mrs Durham, - 142 

41. The Same to his Wife, - - 147 

42. The Same to the Same, - - 150 

43. The Same to the Same, - 152 

44. The Same to the Same, - - 154 

1665. 45. Mrs Carstaires to her Husband, - - 157 
45* The Same to the Same, - - 158 

1666. 46. The Same to the Same, - - 159 
47. The Same to the Same, - - 160 

1668. 48. Anonymous, - 162 

^ r 49. Lady Sophia Moray to Carstaires, - 164 

"IB J 50. Lady Isobella Boyd of Pinkhill to Carstaires, 165 

Q J j 51. The Same to the Same, - - 167 

fe^ r52. to Carstaires, - - 169 

jH { 53. A Dying Testimony, - - 172 



POSTSCRIPT- 



It is with much pleasure that the Editor is enabled to 
state, that the suppositions which he made in Note 5, page 
54, are completely verified by an old MS. discovered 
4b out ton days ago* by Principal Lee of Edinburgh Col- 
lege, 4»i llii. skrnp of a se ll e r o f old Jbook ^iB th e "South 




staires, junior, are both noticed as father and son, and 
the former is styled not only Provost of St Andrews, but 
also proprietor of Newgrange. f^^^^^^^^ 




beyond 

mother of the Rev. John Carstaires was a sister of Sir 
John of Kilconquhar, and that her father was the Laird 
of Newgrange. 



) 



NOTICES 



OF THE 

LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



It is mentioned in the Life of Principal Carstares, a prefixed 
to the volume of his c< State Papers," that his father, the 
Rev. John Carstaires, was a cadet of an ancient family of 
that name in the county of Fife. 

The accuracv of this statement cannot now be either 
proved or gainsaid satisfactorily ; for all that at this dis- 
tant date can be certainly gathered of the parentage of 
that excellent man and distinguished minister is this, that 
his father's name was James, and that he was dead before 
the year 1641. 

So much the record of his daughter's marriage with 
Mr James Wood, minister of Denino, (afterwards Profes- 
sor of Divinity, and Principal of the Old College of St 
Andrews,) testifies ; and the following is a copy of that 
entry : — 

" This Thursday, at nycht, Mr James Woode, mini- 
ster of Denino, was contracted with Katherine Carstaires, 

a The name Carstairs was formerly spelt indifferently, either Carstares or Car- 
staires. The Principal usually adopted the first style, and his father the second. 

A 



2 



NOTICES OF THE 



daughter to umq 11 Mr James Carstaires, a and was married 
on Thursday, 7th January 1641, at evening prayeres." 

This is the only occasion that the name of the father of 
Mr John Carstaires occurs in the Session-books of St An- 
drews, at least in the records of baptisms and marriages. 

There is, however, amongst the registered testaments 
in the Commissary Office, Edinburgh, in the volume re- 
lating to St Andrews for the year 1625, a copy of the will 
of a Mr James Carstaires, b who, as it bears, was married 
to the daughter of a Mr John Carstaires, merchant and 
citizen of St Andrews. And many circumstances incline us 
to believe that this is the same James who is noticed in the 
above marriage record. And one of these circumstances 
may be mentioned here. It is well known to all the re- 
latives or descendants of Mr John Carstaires, that his fa- 
mily, and that of Sir John Carstaires, Knight, of Kil- 
conquharf were connected d by blood ; and, as it cannot 
be made out that the father of Mr John was a relation of 
Sir John, the above testament would explain this tradi- 
tion, by making it appear that the relationship was on the 
mother's side. Report has always called Sir John the 
uncle of Mr John ; now, as it is most highly probable, for 
various reasons, e that the wife of Mr James Carstaires, 
noticed in the will, was Sir John's sister, the matter would 
at once be cleared up by the adoption of that testament ; 
and then it would appear that Sir John, instead of being 
Mr John Carstaires' patruus/ was his avunculus. & 

And there is only one thing that seems at all to indi- 
cate that this testament is not pertinent ; viz. the circum- 
stance, that whilst the testator's other children are noticed 

a See Note 1. b Note 2. c Note 3. d Note 4. e Note 5. 

' Uncle on the father's side. e Uncle on the mother's side. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



3 



in it by name, no mention is made of a William amongst 
them. It is plain from the letters of Mr John Carstaires, 
in this volume, and in others, that he had a brother named 
William, who, in the year 1664, was resident in St An- 
drews. The omission of his name in the testament, how- 
ever, might easily be accounted for, on the supposition of 
his being a posthumous child ; an occurrence not at all 
unlikely, when we consider how very young the testator 
must have been at the time of the registration of his will. 

Leaving these considerations, however, which are mat- 
ters of interest mainly, if not exclusively, to the descend- 
ants of Carstaires, we go on to state, that it appears 
from a letter which was written to the Secretary of State 
on the 3d November, a a. d. 1684, by that good man, that 
he (Mr John Carstaires) was born on the 6th January 
1623. 

His only sister, Katherine, it is reasonable to suppose, 
from the circumstance of her having been married in 1641, 
was born before him ; but he was the eldest son of his 
parents. 

His name is enrolled in the Matriculation Books of the 
University of St Andrews for the year 1638. The writ- 
ing is plainly his own. He had gone, therefore, to Col- 
lege when fifteen years of age, and had but shortly pre- 
ceded Donald Cargill and Robert M'Ward, whose names, 
in Latin, are to be found a few pages farther on in the 
same volume: that of the former in the page for 1645, 
and that of the latter in the page for 1643. 

How Carstaires acquitted himself at college cannot now, 
we should think, be learned ; indeed, saving the simple re- 



a See Letters in Appendix to M'Crie's Life of Veitch and Brysson. 



4 



NOTICES OF THE 



cord of his name in the Matriculation Books, we know of 
no other circumstance intimating at which of the Univer- 
sities he studied. It is probable, however, that whatever 
were his attainments in literature or science, he obtained, 
at this early period, if not before it, a saving knowledge 
of the way of life eternal, and imbibed a constraining love 
for his blessed Saviour ; and probably his intimacy with 
M'Ward, which continued and increased with his years, 
was now formed, and tended in no small degree, by the 
blessing of God, to enliven and foster his religious zeal. 

There were several circumstances, both of a general and 
local character, which must doubtless have had their in- 
fluence in bringing him seriously to live for God. The 
memorable second Reformation had just begun the year 
before his matriculation, and he entered college in No- 
vember 1638, the very month that the celebrated General 
Assembly met at Glasgow. 

To suppose that the business transacted by this As- 
sembly might have had some effect in turning his thoughts 
to the office of the ministry, is by no means preposterous, 
when we find the following statement respecting its con- 
sequences in Kirkton's Church History. a " It was the 
cause of the salvation of many a man,ybr now a flood of 
godly expectants, formerly secluded by the bishops, en- 
tered into the ministry ; new rules of government were 
appointed ; manners were reformed ; another spirit fell 
upon people, working a wonderful change." The agita- 
tion which was then going on concerning the liberties of 
Christ's servants, and the true and spiritual government 
of his church, well calculated to make the faithful 

a Kirkton's History of the Church of Scotland, p. 34. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



5 



candidates for the pastoral office, both think most seriously 
and inquire most diligently after truth. 

But, this very session also, the eminent and singularly 
pious Mr Samuel Rutherford was appointed Professor of 
Divinity in St Mary's College ; so that, in the course of 
his academical studies, Mr Carstaires must have had the 
advantage of listening to the spirit-stirring and soul-im- 
proving instruction so successfully imparted by him. 
Scarcely ever was a professor more blessed in communi- 
cating doctrinal instruction and evangelical zeal to his 
students than this truly excellent and exemplary man. 

The year after the matriculation of Carstaires, Arch- 
bishop Spottiswood of St Andrews* died, and was suc- 
ceeded by the apostate James Sharpe. With Gladstaines, 
the predecessor of Spottiswood, the friends of Carstaires 
had lived on the best of terms, one of them having named 
his child after the prelate. But with Sharpe, at least after 
his apostacy, they seem to have had little or no dealings ; 
and, as may be learned from a perusal of the subjoined 
Letters, he was regarded by Mr John Carstaires with the 
most unequivocal and righteously founded disrelish. Hav- 
ing entered the college in 1638, it is reasonable to suppose 
that Carstaires would be licensed in 1646, though it does 
not appear , neither can it be discovered, by what Presby- 
tery he was licensed ; the records of St Andrews Presby- 
tery not being of so old a date, and those of Glasgow (by 
which Presbytery he must at all events have been or- 
dained) being unfit for consultation., owing to the damage 
which they forty years ago sustained from a fire that af- 

* Grierson's Delineations of St Andrews, New Edit., p 52. 



6 



NOTICES OF THE 



fected the Tron Church of that city, in which they were 
deposited.* 1 

We find, from Dr Cleland's Statistics, that Mr Car- 
staires was settled as minister of the High Church in Glas- 
gow in 1650. Now, as it is well known that he was trans- 
lated to that charge from the parish of Cathcart, near 
Glasgow, of which he was the clergyman, at all events, in 
the year 1649 5 when his son William was born ; and as 
we find that he married in 1647 or 1648 a Renfrewshire 
lady, it is most probable that he was settled in Cathcart 
the very year that he was licensed, or the one immediately 
following, when either in his 23d or 24th year. Perhaps, 
however, it was the circumstance of his marriage that led 
to his being appointed to Cathcart, in which case he could 
not have been settled there before 1647 or 1648. 

In one of these years, as we find from two b of his letters, 
he married Janet Mure, fourth daughter of William Mure, 
Esq. of Glanderston, a cadet of the family of Caldwell, 
and owing to the extinction of what was the main branch 
of that family in his day, ancestor of the present represen- 
tative of it. 

This William Mure seems, from the notices of him to 
be found in Wodrow and elsewhere, to have been a per- 
son of peculiar piety, and to have taken an active part in 
the measures that were employed in his day for securing 
the acknowledgment of the essential doctrines of Pres- 
bytery. His second wife, who was the mother of Mrs 
Carstaires, was Jean Hamilton, a daughter of Hans Ha- 
milton, vicar of Dunlop, and a cousin of his own. Hans 
and his wife, Janet Denham, daughter of the Laird of 



* See Note 6. 



b Letters XVII and XXXVII. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



7 



Westshiels, seem to have been much esteemed by all 
who knew them. They were the parents of the first Lord 
Viscount Claneboy, (who was ennobled by King James 
for services in Ireland,) whose son was afterwards created 
Earl of Clanbrassil, and Si^ssl'i^s^^sn 




TK^yijriy sgasfejpBigiaB csgeE^, Archibald Hamilton \^^ar^y.^ 
Rowan, Esq. of Killeleagh Castle in Ireland. The Earl/^ 3 ^^^- 
of Roden now bears the title Clanbrassil, and the Earl of 
DufTerin that of Claneboy. To his parents Lord Clane- 
boy erected a monument, which is still to be seen in the 
churchyard of Dunlop. 

By his marriage with Janet Mure, Mr John Carstaires 
became brother-in-law of the following distinguished 
churchmen : — Alexander Dunlop, minister of Paisley, 
(descended of the Dunlops of Dunlop, father of the Prin- 
cipal of that name, and ancestor of the present Alexander 
Dunlop, Esq., Advocate,) who married Bessie Mure ; Mr 
Zachary Boyd, the famous paraphrast ; and Mr James 
Durham, (ancestor of Durham of Largo,) so celebrated 
for his books on the Revelation, the Song of Solomon, 
&c. ; both of whom were married in succession to Marga- 
ret Mure. He became, by his marriage, brother-in-law 
also to Ralston of that Ilk, to whose kindness he pays 
many tributes in the following Letters ; to Hamilton of 
Hallcraig, (a nephew of Lord Claneboy,) and Porteifield 
of Quarrelton, who, according to Wodrow, had his own 
share in the troubles of his age. 

Being thus connected by his own marriage with those 
distinguished and single-hearted men, and being, more- 
over, through the marriage of his sister, brother-in-law to 
Mr James Wood ; and through that ofhis maternal aunt, 



Miss Carstaires, with a 




Sandilands of 



NOTICES OF THE 



Calder, a allied to that distinguished Lord of the Congre- 
gation ; all his relations, as well as teachers and com- 
panions, tended to confirm him in very singular and zeal- 
ous devotedness to his Saviour's cause. 

We have already alluded to the birth of his son Wil- 
liam ; and, singular enough, this event happened the very 
same month on which King Charles the First was be- 
headed before Whitehall, viz. January 1649 ; we say sin- 
gular enough, for it is well known that it was this very 
babe who, about 40 years afterwards, was the main in- 
strument in inducing William Prince of Orange to expel 
the family of Charles altogether from the throne, and to 
take possession of it himself with his Queen, for the good 
of the Protestant cause. 

It will be seen, in Letter first, which was written by Mr 
John Carstaires to Mrs Wood on the 1 6th February 1649, 
the month after the birth of his son William, that he speaks 
of him as u a fyne child, yet alive, to whom its mother 
was nurse herself, and whom he hoped the Lord would 
own for one of his children." 

Having noticed the family of Mr John Carstaires, we 
may as well remark here as elsewhere, that though when 
translated to Glasgow, it only consisted of one child, it 
afterwards increased to seven, of which three were sons, 
and four daughters. The second son was named Alex- 
ander, and afterwards became a merchant, and settled in 
Rotterdam, where, being very highly respected, he was 
appointed Deputy Conservator of the Scottish Privileges 
at Campvere in Zealand. He married in Holland, and 
had a family ; and if any of his posterity survive, (which 



a See Note 7. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



9 



we understand not to be the case,) they are the represen- 
tatives of John Carstaires. The third son, Robert, (so 
called from Robert M< Ward,) died in infancy, as we find 
from the Letters in this volume. The eldest daughter, 
Katherine, seems also to have died early. The second, 
Jean, married Principal Drew of St Leonard's College, 
and it is from her that Principals M'Cormick and Hill 
derived descent. The third, Margaret, was twice married ; 
first to Mr Macky, minister of Markinch, (who, by a for- 
mer marriage with Christian Ayton of Burntisland, was 
father of Professor Macky of Edinburgh ;) and, secondly, 
to Major Colt of Edinburgh Castle ; but died without issue 
by either husband. The fourth and youngest of the fa- 
mily, Sarah, married her cousin-german, Principal Dun- 
lop, and from her are descended the present Alexander 
Dunlop, Esq., Advocate ; the Lord Justice-General, and 
other distinguished and learned men. It is somewhat 
singular how completely the descendants of Carstaires 
are mixed, so far as the distinctions of Church politics are 
concerned ; and it cannot but draw forth a smile from any 
one versant in these matters at the present day, to observe 
on the same genealogical table, and in very close juxta- 
position, the names of Dr George Cook, .Professor of 
Moral Philosophy, St Andrews, and Mr Alexander Dun- 
lop, Advocate, Edinburgh. Surely none would have 
thought, at least from their proceedings in Church Courts, 
that these two distinguished and opposite leaders of the 
Church were pears of the same tree ! 

The parish records of Cathcart, being but of modern 
date, nothing can be learned from them of the manner in 
which Carstaires acquitted himself in his first charge ; and 
as we know of no other source of information upon this 



10 



NOTICES OF THE 



matter, we pass on to the year 1650, when he was (ac- 
cording to Cleland a ) translated to Glasgow, where he 
speedily became a conspicuous ecclesiastic. In January 
this year (see Letter II.) we find him writing for the con- 
solation of his sister Mrs Wood, who was in loneliness, 
owing to the absence of her husband Mr James Wood, 
in Holland, whither he had gone as one of the Commis- 
sioners appointed by the General Assembly, to join the 
Parliamentary Deputation in waiting upon Charles the 
Second at Breda, with the view of urging him to return 
to Britain to fill his father's throne. All who are ac- 
quainted with the history of that period will know that 
these Commissioners were successful in this embassy, 
though they had failed in a similar one the previous year. 
And Letter III., which was written by Mr Wood to his 
wife from Speymouth, on the memorable 23d of June 
1650, on his way home, gives an interesting account of 
his feelings during the voyage from Holland, (22 days' 
sail,) and mentions that the king was that day taking the 
Covenant on board ship, " having given all the satisfac- 
tion was desired in the last paper, in everie particular.'* 
Further history, however, revealed that this step of the 
wily monarch- was taken more from policy than principle ; 
and that, whilst he scrupled not to sign a treaty, allowing 
both the National Covenant of Scotland and the Solemn 
League and Covenant of the three kingdoms, he was 
nevertheless at heart a most keen and subtile Episcopa- 
lian ; if not, as some historians have insinuated, a Roman 
Catholic, like his uncle. b 

It was upon the 3d of September this year that Crom- 



* Cleland's Statistics. 



See Secret History of Europe. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



11 



well, having been previously dispatched by the English 
Parliament to make war with Scotland, encountered and 
defeated General Leslie's army at Dunbar. At this en- 
gagement Mr John Carstaires, with several other distin- 
guished clergymen, was present. Various writers have 
held up these clergymen to ridicule for the part they took 
in this matter ; but whatever may be thought of the pro- 
priety of their conduct in our day, charity leads us to 
suppose that it was dictated by a sincere desire for the 
good of the Church. It does not appear that they actu- 
ally went to fight ; they seem rather to have been engaged 
as preachers to the Presbyterian combatants, and employ- 
ed for the purpose of exhorting them to boldness in de- 
fending a sacred cause, which was dearer to them than 
their lives. Dr Cook thus writes concerning this en- 
gagement, in his third vol. pp. 194, 195, under the head 
" 1650, Cromwell's Correspondence with the Ministers of 
Edinburgh " The engagement soon commenced ; Crom- 
well charged with vigour, which was but feebly resisted; he 
scattered the army from which he had fled, and, having 
got possession of its baggage and artillery, he marched to 
Edinburgh, which, with the exception of the Castle, im- 
mediately surrendered. 

" Upon his entering the city, finding that most of the 
ministers had taken refuge in the Castle," and Mr John 
Carstaires was, as we find from various sources, one of 
these — " he sent to inform the Governor that they might 
return to their churches, and have full liberty to exercise 
their functions, as he had no quarrel with Scotland on ac- 
count of its religion. The ministers, however, who ab- 
horred him as the head of the sectaries, and as the inve- 
terate enemy of the Covenanters, refused to accept of this 



12 



NOTICES OF THE 



indulgence, and a correspondence between them and the 
English General, in consequence, took place. They in- 
veighed against the violation of the Covenant and the 
abuse of lav-preaching ; he defended the great principle 
of toleration, condemned the officiousness with which they 
interfered in civil affairs, and pleaded that any one might 
preach who could promote the influence of religion. The 
result was what might have been foreseen. The clergy 
persisted in their opposition to him ; and they continued 
in the Castle till its surrender took place in the end of 
December." 

Letters IV. and V., which were written from the Castle by 
Carstaires to his wife, before its surrender, and Letters VI., 
VII., and VIII., which were written shortly after it, (Letter 
Vl. being written on the 24th of Dec, almost immediately 
thereafter,) give us an interesting and beautiful display 
of the depth of piety of their dauntless writer. In them 
he exhibits much more alarm for the state of has soul than 
for that of his body ; and, instead of burdening his part- 
ner with many directions about the management of tem- 
poral affairs, busies himself only in advising her concern- 
ing her best interests, charging her to be careful of her 
health, and enjoining her to secure preaching for his 
dearly loved people. In one of them he notices Hugh 
fisnng, as a person on* whose services he could rely. 
It is scarcely possible to read these Letters without being 
improved by them ; and, truly, it seems very strange that 
their writer should have been enabled to maintain his spirit 
in such a blessed tone as that in which it appears from all 
his epistles he was ever more or less favoured to possess it 
How different is the tone of his Letters, even when most 
beset withidifficulties, from that of modern communications,. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



13 



and how much more edifying and becoming. As a spe- 
cimen of the correspondence carried on between the Mi- 
nisters and Cromwell, and alluded to by Dr Cook, we in- 
sert the following extract from the Cromwelliana : — 

" Then the Governor sent a letter to his Excellency, 
to desire two noble gentlemen, then in Edinburgh, to 
come in and speak with him. Hereupon his Excellency 
returned these papers following to the Governor of Edin- 
burgh Castle, viz 

" 6 Sir, — Having acquainted the gentlemen with your 
desire to speak with them, and they making some diffi- 
culty of it, have desired me to send you this inclosed. — 
I rest, Sir, your servant, 

c O. Cromwell. 

'Edin. 14th December 1650. 
' For the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.' 

66 6 Right Honourable, — Wee, now hearing that you 
was desirous to speak with us for your information of the 
posture of affairs, we would be glad, and we think you 
make no doubt of it, to be refreshing or usefull to you in 
any thing ; but the matter is of so high concernment, 
especially since, it may be, you will lean somewhat upon 
our information in managing that important trust put 
upon you, that we dare not take upon us to meddle. Ye 
may, therefore, do as ye find yourselves cleare, and in 
capacity, and the Lord be with you. — We are, Sir, your 
honour's humble servants, well-wishers in the Lord, 

c M. Jeffray. 

' Jo. Carstairs. 

' Edinburgh, 14th December. 
4 For the Right Honourable 
'< The Governor of Edinburgh Castle.'" 



14 



NOTICES OF THE 



We find from Balfour's Annals of this year, (1650,) 
that almost immediately after the Castle was surrendered 
by the Governor, Colonel Dundas, into the hands of 
Cromwell, Carstaires and JefFray (who was a bailie of 
Aberdeen, and had been one of the deputation along with 
Wood to the Hague) were set free. Sir James writes 
thus upon the subject: — £< The Com. of Estatis remitts 
to the Com. of Quarterings, the exchange of prisoners 
anent Alex. Jeffray, and Mr John Carster, minister, with 
some English prisoners in the Castle of Dunbarton." And 
it is noticed in a letter, dated January 2, 1651, in Baillie's 
Works, that Carstaires and Jeffray, prisoners of Crom- 
well, were sent to Glasgow about that time. They were 
thus set free, that other English prisoners in the hands of 
the Scots might be restored also to their liberty and their 
friends. 

Very shortly after his return to his parish, we find that 
Carstaires began to preach against the times, and the cir- 
cumstance as well as the occasion of it, (viz., Mr Guth- 
rie's being summoned before the king and state,) is 
recorded in the new edition of Baillie's Letters, re- 
cently published, vol. iii., p. 141. Readers who are not 
acquainted with the characters of that age, ought to know 
that Baillie and Carstaires were altogether opposed in 
church matters, the former being in a great measure of the 
same views with the King, and the latter in league with 
the Protesters, and now, along with Gillespie, one of the 
right-hand men of Cromwell. 

For the ten years succeeding that of his release from 
Edinburgh Castle, (the years of the Commonwealth,) 
Carstaires enjoyed a comparatively quiet life, and seems 
to have occupied himself principally and devotedly in the 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



15 



discharge of his ministerial and official engagements. 
We find various notices of him, during this period, in 
Baillie's Letters, (which, by the way, are quoted in Peter- 
kin's Records,) as also in M'Crie's Life of Veitch and 
Brysson, and Wodrow's Analecta, which we may here con- 
dense as shortly as possible. 

1st, In April, according to Baillie, he was deputed a 
Commissioner from the Synod of Glasgow and Ayr, to 
treat concerning the union of the two parties ; and along 
with the whole eight, who were appointed at the same 
time, he is styled " one of the rigidest opposers of the 
union of the forces.'' 

2dly 9 We find that he was appointed a member of the 
General Assembly that met, in July this year, at St An- 
drews and Dundee ; that his commission was at first dis- 
puted, on the ground that the appointment of all the mem- 
bers from Glasgow and Ayr was made rapidly, u and with- 
out premonition," and that afterwards it was, with that of 
Mr Gillespie and others, rejected. He, therefore, wrote 
a letter, protesting against the proceedings of the pre- 
vious Commission, and demanding liberty to add his name 
to the list of the Protesters afterwards, if he should see 
cause ; and mentioning that there were men in that As- 
sembly (insinuating that he himself was one) that 6< dare 
not mutter." The Moderator took occasion, from the last 
observation, to comment upon the insolence of those who 
prevented members from fully and fairly stating their sen- 
timents ; a practice which Moderators of the present day 
might with great propriety be enjoined to imitate. It was 
at this Assembly that Gillespie, Guthrie, and Simson, 
were deposed, and Naysmith suspended for protesting 
against the proceedings of the former Commission, which 



1G 



NOTICES OF THE 



they saw and felt had been taking upon them undue 
power, for the purpose apparently of advancing the Royal- 
ists. Concerning this matter Beattie of Balmullo, in his 
newly published book on the Times of Cromwell, (which 
we consider a book of great value, on account of its ful- 
ness, distinctness, and brevity,) thus writes: "The honour 
of descrying the danger to which the concessions of their 
brethren had exposed the common cause is unquestion- 
ably due to the Protesters. They acted the part of faithful 
watchmen in seeing the danger connected with the pub- 
lic resolutions, and in sounding the alarm against them, 
as amounting to a surrendering of the public cause, and 
at utter variance with former confessions and obligations. 
If they did err, it was more in the temper and manner, 
than in the motives and principles of their proceedings, 
and they were certainly entitled to different treatment 
than what was given them by the Assembly," &c. See 
page 173. 

By turning to Letter IX. of those subjoined, it will be 
seen that Carstaires wrote, by authority of the Session of 
the High Church, to Mr Durham, inviting him to be one 
of the ministers of the city of Glasgow. 

3dly, It is noticed in Baillie's Works, (new edition,) that 
in a meeting of the Presbytery of Glasgow, held before 
the Assembly of July 1652, a vote was come to, that no 
commissioner should be chosen to be sent to it ; which 
vote " did reflect upon and realie nullifie, not onlie the 
acts, but the verie constitution and authoritie of the last 
Assemblie and Commission thereof." And it is men- 
tioned that Carstaires did not vote at all upon this mat- 
ter, although his future brother-in-law, Zachary Boyd, 
voted for an immediate election. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES . 



17 



Athly, Baillie notices (in a letter to Mr James Wood, 
who was of his party, a Re*olutioner, dated 18th Decem- 
ber 1652) an ineffectual attempt that was made at the 
bringing about an understanding and agreement between 
the two parties in the Church. It was held in Mr Car- 
staires' " Chamber ;" and the following were the par- 
ties : Of Baillie's mind, Messrs James Ferguson, Patrick 
Colvill, William Fullerton, John Gemmil, and Baillie : 
Of Mr Carstaires', Messrs Patrick Gillespie, John Car- 
staires, Alexander Dunlop, and Hugh Binning. 

Stilly^ In a letter written by Baillie in 1654, he, in his 
usual style, attributes the disturbances of the times more 
to Mr James Durham's professed neutrality, and Mr John 
Carstaires' zeal, than to any thing that Mr Patrick Gil- 
lespie has done, or could do of himself. (Page 249.) 

Gthly, In the year 1654, Mr Carstaires was employed 
in a matter which Baillie endeavoured afterwards to use 
as a handle against him. Mr Guthrie of Stirling having 
been deposed, along with Mr Simson of Airth, and both 
having continued to preach and execute their judicial 
functions after deposition, they, together with a Mr Hog 
of Lairbare, constituted themselves the Presbytery of their 
bounds ; and Bothkennar having become vacant, and the 
people having disqualified themselves from giving a call 
to another clergyman, a Mr John Blair was appointed 
and inducted (they reclaiming) by Guthrie and his party, 
whom the English also favoured. Mr John Carstaires, 
along with Mr Robert Traill from Edinburgh, preached 
on the occasion ; the populace all the while throwing 
missiles, and offering obstruction. 

On the merits of this case we offer no judgment. It 
ought, however, to be kept in mind, that Mr Galbraith, 

B 



18 



NOTICES OF THE 



the previous minister, having been deposed for drunken- 
ness, the congregation was likely to have of the number 
of its communicants many persons who were altogether 
unqualified for being rightly accounted such ; and it should 
further be borne in mind, that the people were anxious to 
have, in place of Mr Blair, a minister who was deposed. 
(See new edition of Baillie's Works, vol. iii. p. 257.) 

Itldy^ It was probably about this time that the follow- 
ing incident alluded to in Wodrow's Analecta happened, 
(see vol. ii. p. 135.) " Mr James Stirling tells me that 
[he] has heard from old Christians, and particularly from 
James Gray in Calder, that when Mr Carstaires was in 
Glasgow, he was invited to a communion in Kirkintilloch; 
I think it was in Mr Cunningham's time : and, after the 
work was over on the Sabbath night, there came on one 
of the fearfullest storms of rain that could be ; soe that 
many or most of the people continued in the church, and 
could not come out. 

66 When the church remained full, to prevent idle con- 
versation and profaning the day, Mr Carstaires proposed 
that some of the ministers should go in and discourse to 
them a little. It was put on himself, and he went in 
and gave them a discourse, (my informer can scarce re- 
member whether he made a text or not,) upon believing 
in Christ ; and there was such a mighty power came along 
with it, and either two or three hundred dated their con- 
version from that discourse." 

Hhly, Mr Carstaires, according to M'Crie, a was ranked 
among the Protesters this year. Doubtless he had seen 
sufficient reason for enlisting himself amongst them, as 

» M'Crie's History of the Church, p. 366. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES . 19 

every thing he did seems to have been made by him a 
matter of prayer. And, being of this class, now he, of 
course, became high in the opinion of the Protector. And 
this accounts for the circumstance that he was one of the 
few ministers whose certification, or the certification of 
any four of whom was, by an ordinance and declaration 
of Cromwell, dated 17th October 1656, to be required 
before any minister should be settled in any parish near 
Glasgow.* 

9thfy, In a letter to Spang, Baillie notices another in- 
effectual attempt that was made at St Andrews by depu- 
tations of the two parties of the Church for a reconcilia- 
tion. Mr Carstaires being one of the protesting deputa- 
tion, and Baillie himself one of the other party. He 
mentions that " Mr Patrick Gillespie, and Mr John Car- 
staires, and a few others, were for capitulating; but War- 
riston, Mr James Guthrie, and others, were as rigid as 
ever; yea, whether by their contriving or otherwise, it 
was so that we could have no conference. " b Some ar- 
rangements, however, were made by them for the im- 
provement of the attendance on the Communion at St 
Andrews, so that the meeting was not altogether without 
its good result. 

Numerous were the meetings of this kind made or pro- 
posed by these two parties, without any satisfactory issue. 
Another was made this year, (1655,) at which Gillespie 
and Carstaires again seemed willing to surrender, if 
Baillie may be believed. 

\Othli/i By the same authority, in his Letters during 
1656, Carstaires is noticed (with a deal of party jealousy 



* Nicholl's Diary, 



b Baillie's Letters, vol. iii. p. 2T&. 



20 



NOTICES OF THE 



unworthy of its possessor) as having been hostile to the 
settlement of a Mr James Ramsay, planted by Baillie and 
his friends at Leinzie, and against the excommunication 
of a Mr Thomas Charteris for becoming an Independent, 
whom Baillie was desirous to have persecuted. He is 
noticed, also, by the same writer in his Letters of 1658, as 
having got Mr Gillespie (whom the Synod of Glasgow 
had previously freed from the censure of the General As- 
sembly) appointed Corresponding Member to the Synod 
of Lothian, in order to probe the opinion of the various 
Synods as to this absolution ; and in the hope, that being 
received by Lothian Synod, Gillespie would be tacitly 
considered by all the Synods as wholly reinstated. 

And, further, it is noticed of him this year also, that 
he refused to subscribe a commission given to some of his 
own party to treat with Cromwell as to certain ecclesias- 
tical affairs ; which, it is probable, he did from esteeming 
the desiderated treaty unworthy of a Church's policy. 

Wthly, The following anecdote falls to be inserted 
here : — <s My informer (says Wodrow in his Analecta) 
has this account from some that were present. Mr James 
Melvill was Minister at Calder, and Mr Carstaires was 
invited from Glasgow to help him. About the close of 
the week, Mr Melvill falls pretty suddenly indisposed, and 
he put the action sermon upon Mr Carstaires. Upon 
the Sabbath he was very wonderfully assisted in his first 
prayer, and had a strange gale through all the sermon ; 
and there was a strange motion upon all the hearers. 
Singing the 24th psalm, as he came down from the tables, 
all the house were strangely affected, and glory seemed 
to fill the house. He served the first table in a strange 
rapture ; and he called some ministers there to the next, 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



21 



but he was in such a frame that none of them would come 
and take the work off his hand. He continued at the 
work with the greatest enlargement and melting, upon him- 
self and all present, that could be, and served fourteen or 
sixteen tables. A Christian that had been at the table, 
and obliged to come out of the church, pressing to get in 
again, and could not get in for some time, stood without 
the door, and said he was wrapt upon the thoughts of 
that glory that was in that house for near half-an-hour, 
and got leave scarce to think upon any other thing ! All 
the time of the work Mr Carstaires did not feel any wea- 
riedness, but his strength and frame continued ; but at 
night, and for many days after, he found his body dis- 
tressed, and wearied with that day's work." (See Wod- 
row's Analecta.) 

\2thly, Dr M'Crie, in his Life of Veitch, tells another 
anecdote connected with Carstaires, as a circumstance 
that happened about the middle of this year, (1658.) 

" Mr Durham being several months confined to his 
chamber by sickness before he died, the magistrates of 
Glasgow and some of the ministers at that time being 
for the public resolutions, the better party, called the Pro- 
testers, were afraid that the magistrates and they, after 
Mr Durham's death, would put a public resolutioner in 
his place ; therefore they contrived the matter so as to get 
a commission, subscribed by both parties, for Mr Dur- 
ham's nominating his own successor. The Reverend and 
singularly pious Mr John Carstaires, being both his bro- 
ther-in-law and his colleague in the ministry in the Inner 
Kirk of Glasgow, intimates to him one day, while visiting, 
how desirous he was to know whom he intended for his 
successor, seeing he was to be his colleague after his 



22 



NOTICES OF THE 



death, the power being now in his hand to choose whom 
he pleased. After some scruple to tell him so soon, lest 
it should come to the person's ears, and his promise to 
conceal it from all persons, he told him that Mr David 
Veitch was the man he proposed to nominate, but not 
until he was near death, thinking that then it would have 
the more weight with him ; to which Mr Carstaires readily 
assented, saying, that was the man he himself would have 
chosen. But when a-dying, having called some of the 
magistrates, ministers, and elders of the place, he named 
other three ministers, for them to choose any of these they 
pleased. This alteration so surprised Mr Carstaires, that 
he could not satisfy himself till he had inquired the rea- 
son after the rest were gone ; to which Mr Durham gave 
this reply — ' Oh, brother ! Mr David Veitch is too ripe for 
heaven to be transported to any church on earth ; he will 
be there almost as soon as 1 !' This I had from Mr Car- 
staires' own mouth ; and it proved so. For this being 
spoken on Wednesday night, Mr Durham died on Friday 
at three o'clock in the morning, and Mr Veitch preached 
next Sabbath, (knowing nothing of the prediction,) where- 
in he told his people in the afternoon it would be his last 
sermon that ever he would preach to them ; and going to 
his bed sick that night, he died next Friday, at the same 
hour in the morning that Mr Durham died ; as good Dr 
Rattray, who was witness to both their deaths, did de- 
clare." " This account is confirmed by the testimony of 
the writer of Mr Durham's Life, prefixed to his Commen- 
tary on the Revelations. Durham died on the 25th of 
June 1658. Mr David Veitch's death will therefore fall 
on the 1st of July that year." (Veitch's Life, pp. 14, 18.) 
\§thly, The following interesting anecdote, relating to 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



23 



his death, is recorded in one of the volumes of Wodrow's 
Analecta. 

" Not long since I had this account from a good hand, 
a near relation of Mr Durham's, that that great man, 
when upon his death-bed, was under deep and sore exer- 
cise as to his soul's case and state; and when his colleague, 
Mr Carstaires, came in one day to see him, he asked him 
how he was ? He answered, Very low ; there is but one 
promise in all the Scriptures that I dare look to — ' Come 
unto me, all ye that are weary,' Matth. xi. 28. 6 May I 
venture my salvation upon it?' 4 Yes,' said Mr Car- 
staires,] 6 if you had a thousand souls you might venture 
them on it.' "—Vol. i. p. 215. 

The same story is told twice in the same volume ; and 
the first time the verse is made to be, " Him that cometh 
to me, I will in no wise cast out," instead of the one given 
above. 

Wthly, According to Dr M'Crie, it was this year that 
Carstaires prefaced Durham's Lectures on the Revela- 
tions, and it appears from the date of the preface to Dur- 
ham's Treatise on Scandal, that it was written also by 
Carstaires the following year. He prefaced most of 
Durham's writing, as his initials, J. C, testify. He also 
prefaced Calderwood's Church History, and various other 
treatises. a ^ 

The 10th Letter in this volume seems to have been 
written, in 1661 or 1662, to him by his uncle. This uncle, 
it is evident, must have been one of the brothers of Sir 



24 



NOTICES OF THE 



John Carstaires ; and it is not unlikely that he was a brother, 
named Thomas, who lived at Borehills, as this Thomas 
had two sons, a John and James, (as may be gathered 
from the parish records and the University books of St 
Andrews,) who were matriculated in the year 1659. In 
this letter his uncle and aunt earnestly entreat Mr John 
to send his son William to St Andrews College, instead 
of Edinburgh, mentioning what nice companionship he 
would have with their two sons ; how cheaply he would be 
kept, &c. ; but Mr John does not seem to have been pre- 
vailed on to consent. It is supposed that this requisition 
was made in 1681 or 1662, from the allusions contained 
in the letter to the state of Carstaires' affairs. And the 
circumstance that his cousins were matriculated in 1659 
does not affect the supposition, it being only required that 
students should register their names in the University 
books once, though attending College for a series of 
years. 

Lastly In the year 1661 Mr M fi Ward, the great friend 
of Carstaires, (and one of the ministers of Glasgow,) got 
into difficulties as follows : — He preached in the Tron 
Church against the purposes of Parliament to overturn the 
covenanted Reformation, and the courses entered on by 
them. For this he was brought into Edinburgh and im- 
prisoned, and indicted for treasonable proceeding. He 
was brought before Parliament, June 6th, and expected 
to be put to death, as his friend Govan actually was, but 
was, for some reason not well known, spared, and banished* 
after six months living in this country; whereupon he 
went to Rotterdam, and became minister of the Scottish 
Church in that town for some time. He did not escape 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



25 



Letter XII. of this volume is one written by him to 
Carstaires in the month of March 1661, and gives a full 
account of the treatment he, Mr Gillespie, and Govan, 
had up to that time received. Letter XL is written to 
him, on the other hand, by an unknown friend, in February 
this year also, and is, in great part, interesting. Letter 
XIII. was written to convey to him the sympathy of Mr 
Peacock, minister of Kirkmabreck, who survived the Re- 
volution ; and Letter XIV., written in a disguised hand, 
is of nearly the same date, and to much the same effect. 
The mutual regard of Carstaires and M c Ward was of the 
strongest kind. A gentleman in Edinburgh has many of 
their letters copied from the originals, to be found in the 
Advocates' Library, which will probably appear in print 
at some future period, and add greatly alike to the infor- 
mation of the public regarding the times in which they 
lived, and to general esteem for them as men replete 
both with piety and warmth of heart. 

In 1662, Mr John Carstaires was one of the seven 
" leading ministers d¥ the West, all of great worth," 3 who 
were summoned by the Council for "preaching against 
the times," and ultimately that year turned out from the 
ministry by the Prelates' parliament that set up Prelacy 
this year. s< He was taken to task, to see if they could 
bring him into compliance with that new government, 
which, if they could have done, might be a means, as 
they apprehended, to make the other ministers that were 
outed of their kirks comply also ;" and " he was put in 
prison and kept so close, that his wife and nearest rela- 
tions had no access to him ; and the Oath of Allegiance, 
having the Oath of Supremacy intermixed with it, having 

a M'Crie's Life of Veitch and Brysson. 



26 



NOTICES OF THE 



been tendered him and refused, in a speech that gave 
great offence to the Prelates, it was only through the pri- 
vate influence of Mr William Veitch with Commissioner 
Middleton, that severe measures were not taken with him. 
Through their influence, however, he and his brethren ob- 
tained liberty for seven miles round about the city of 
Edinburgh, to see if the fresh air and a free prison might 
bring them to a better temper ; and thus, gradually, par- 
liament overlooked them, and let them fall under the six 
mile act." The correspondence in this volume is abun- 
dantly full upon this part of the history of Carstaires, — 
Letters XV., XVI., XVII., XVIII., and XIX., having 
all been written by him this year to his wife. From Let- 
ter XVII., which is particularly beautiful, it would seem 
that he obtained his summons to the Council on the 25th 
November 1662, when staying at Halcraig, his wife's sis- 
ter's place. It is a sad thing to find Baillie rejoicing at 
this citation, which was most likely to have led to the sa- 
crifice of his life. All the fears of the man, however, are 
merged in the fears of the Christian, in Carstaires ; and 
he determines to bear his fate like a good soldier of the 
Lord Jesus. The delicacy with which he broaches the 
subject to his wife, who was then not in a condition to 
bear much disappointment, is very touching, and the 
whole strain of the letter is truly admirable. Letter 
XIX. also affords a noble specimen of the Christian 
and fine-toned spirit of its writer. His sentence was 
delayed at first, as appears from Letter XX., (Jan. 8, 
1663,) and Letter XXL, (dated Jan. 21, same year;) 
and we learn from Letter XXIV., (dated Nov. 19, 
1663,) that about this period, his imprisonment being 
ended, he returned to his home. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



27 



The following extract from Brown's History of Glas- 
gow gives a short account of this matter : — 

44 Meanwhile, the Council proceeded with their usual 
vigour agaiftgt several ministers. Mr John Carstaires, 
minister at Glasgow, and some others, were cited before 
the Council, accused of disloyalty, and of using improper 
expressions in their sermons. Procedure against them 
was delayed till the meeting of the Parliament in May. 
They were then ordered to be banished out of the King's 
dominions, to bear company with several of their brethren 
who had been sent off the preceding year. Mr John Car- 
staires, by close confinement and severe treatment, fell 
dangerously ill. He was allowed to go to Dalkeith for 
the benefit of his health ; and accordingly he escaped the 
sentence. The punishment of the others was changed 
into deposition, and banishment from their Presbyteries." 

From a letter that he wrote, in 1664, to Chancellor 
Glencairn, u two full years after his having been outed 
from his ministry, it appears that, during 1662 and 1663, 
he had very little pleasure in seeing any person, or in 
being seen by any ; so much so, that he was sometimes 
three, sometimes six weeks, sometimes two full months, 
that he never came without his doors," and never was in 
any nobleman's or gentleman's dwelling in Scotland save 
one ; and that even his brother-in-law, Mr Wood, was 
sick ten or twelve weeks before he ever heard how he 
was. From this letter, it appears that Katherine Car- 
staires (Mrs Wood) was his only sister. 

It is now well-known, that it was in 1662 that the Black 
Acts, for remodelling the Kirk, had the effect of either 
ejecting, or causing retire from their pulpits, no less than 
four hundred ministers in one day, concerning which, 



28 



NOTICES OF THE 



Wodrow writes as follows : — " It was a day not only of 
weeping but howling, like the weeping of Jaze^ when a 
besieged city is sacked." The bishops had, through the 
wicked persuasion of Sharp, been re-instated in Scotland 
the previous year, and Middleton was at the head of affairs, 
who believing the statements of the apostate, to the effect 
that Episcopacy was the favourite religion of the people, 
was aiming most assiduously to have it established. 

Soon after his release from imprisonment, Mr Carstaires 
fell again into much trouble through the inveteracy of 
Sharp ; for his brother-in-law, Mr James Wood, dying 
in March 1664, and leaving behind him a Testimony in 
favour of Presbytery, to which the name of Mr Carstaires 
was appended, a testimony written on account of a false 
report which had been industriously circulated by Sharp, 
to the effect, that Mr Wood was indifferent whether 
Episcopacy or Presbytery were the Church Government, 
Carstaires was immediately summoned by Sharp to at- 
tend the High Commission Court, in order that he might 
be severely dealt with. Knowing, however, that it was 
very unlikely that he would meet, in such an assembly, 
either with much justice or any mercy, he wisely ab- 
sconded, rather than appear before it, and hid himself for 
a considerable time in Ireland and the West of Scotland ; 
and to prevent his conduct, in this particular, telling 
against him, he sent a letter to the Chancellor Glencairn, 
which is fully given in M'Crie's Life of Veitch ; whilst 
Mr Wood's Testimony is fully printed in Wodrow, vol. 
i. p. 404. 

It was during this year that most of the subjoined Letters 
of Carstaires were written to his wife. In Letter XXV. 
(written from St Andrews, the very day he signed the Tes- 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



29 



tament alluded to, viz. March 29> 1664) he notices that he 
was about to confirm it, and also to accept the curatory of 
his brother-in-law's children ; hints that he was aware of 
Sharp's threatenings, and encourages his wife in the Lord. 
The two Letters XXVI. a were written, the one to intimate 
his intention to leave St Andrews, and the other in his 
hiding ; which last is couched in terms of meant obscu- 
rity, being even signed John Jameson, (James having 
been his father's name,) and addressed to his sister, Mis- 
tress Jameson, instead of his wife ; — both, it is probable, 
were written within a few days of each other. The last 
is dated April 18, 1664. In Letter XXVII. (still com- 
posed in hiding and anonymous) he notices that he had 
written to the Chancellor and Lauderdale, to <e see if any 
severe course might be prevented." Probably both of 
these last letters were dispatched from somewhere in the 
West of Scotland, for example, at Quarrelton, (near 
Paisley,) his brother-in-law Porterfield's place. In Letter 
XXVIII., which was forwarded apparently from Ireland, 
being dated May 2, 1664, the very day he arrived in that 
island, he mentions that his voyage had not sickened him 
much, and that he was about to take to sea again for 
another kingdom. Letter XXIX., dated Isle Magee, in 
Ireland, May 4, 1664, mentions, that, on the 2d of May 
he reached that country " in good company, provided 
for him by his special friend ;" and had thoughts, after 
the day of Council was past, to go to another kingdom. 
Writing of Wood, Sharp, and some of his own letters, 
he thus expresses, himself — c< If further clearing of that 
famous dead man, and a further dashe at that bolde and 

a The same number is given to both letters, it not being certain which was writ- 
ten first, or because they were both written the same day. 



30 



NOTICES OF THE 



impudent calumniator, be called for, take the most part 
particular and full of all these letters, and deliver, trust- 
ing me, yourself, and your children, to the Lord. As 
I would have no rashness and imprudent rushing upon 
dangers, so I would not especiallie counsell with flesh and 
blood, and grow carnallie and sinfullie politick." In this 
Letter also he wishes the Council were acquainted with 
the discourse Mr Wood had on Tuesday, immediately 
before dictating his Testimony, for it gives, before any 
other particular, great light as to his seriousness and de- 
liberation in the thing. In Letter XXX., dated same 
place, May 5, 1664, he expresses a desire to know what 
or whether any thing had been resolved concerning his 
treatment. In Letter XXXI., dated 12th and 13th 
May 1664, Isle Magee, he speaks of having missed op- 
portunities of sending his former letters ; relies on his 
wife's strength of mind keeping her in a proper state 
of quiet ; blames the vileness of his own heart ; and 
speaks in the highest terms of his brother-in-law, Mr 
Alexander Dunlop, minister of Paisley. Letter XXXII. 
is also dated Ireland, and was written May 27? 1664. In 
it he notices his living with a Mr Brown ; and his going 
to sail for another kingdom first fair wind ; and re- 
commends his wife to wait upon Argyll, and make men- 
tion of various matters of domestic interest. In Letter 
XXXIII. (written also from Ireland, and on June 21, 
1664) he makes particular mention of his children, and 
their education ; notices Thomas Nicholson, his son 
William's tutor, and sends for his Hebrew Grammar. 
In Letter XXXIV., dated June 28, 1664, and apparently 
written from Ralston, he laments the state of his heart 
exceedingly, and records the kindness of his wife's sister 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



31 



and niece. In Letter XXXV., dated July 3, 1664, ap- 
parently written from the same place as the foregoing one, 
he notices the circumstances of his wife's condition, tell- 
ing her, if she should give birth to a boy to call it Gavin 
or Robert ; if a girl, to call it Margaret — laments being 
considered a " presser of Argyll ;" desires William to be 
sent back again to Mr Sinclair's, if his family be well, &c. 
&c. In Letter XXXVI., dated July 14, 1664, and ap- 
parently written from Ralston, like the others, he recom- 
mends his wife to sell their house, and talks of the 
greatness of the attention paid him by his friends. In 
Letter XXXVII., dated August 12, 1664, and most 
probably written in the same place as the above, he 
notices the receipt of a letter from his wife — presses 
her again to sell her house — writes many pious and ex- 
cellent things — and gives direction about his children, 
and the health of his wife. In Letter XXXVIII., 
dated Sept. 7 5 1 664, and written evidently from Ralston 
also, he expresses himself more beautifully than can be 
rightly described. In short, this letter is the most admi- 
rable that the writer of these Notices has ever seen. 
The Christian sentiments expressed in it, and the touch- 
ing language in which they are couched, make it most 
valuable as a guide to those in distress. He speaks in it 
of sending Ursula Ralston to take his place at his wife's 
bed-side during her confinement, and again makes mention 
of the greatness of the friendship shown him by the Ral- 
stons. Letter XXXIX., dated Sept. 9-19, 1664, is from 
Mr M' Ward to Mrs Carstaires, in her husband's absence. 
It is full of kindness and consolatory counsel. Letter XL. 
is dated October 26,. 1664, and was written by Carstaires 
to his sister-in-law, Mrs Durham, and, according to Pro- 




32 



NOTICES OF THE 



fessor Mackay, was dispatched from Cantyre. \ It is replete 
with expressions of kindness and piety, and Affectionate 
inquiries after his flock. Letter XLI., dated November 1, 
1664, written to his wife, relates principally to home af- 
fairs. It was probably dispatched from Cantyre also, though 
there is no allusion to the place from which it was sent. 
Letter XLII., dated next day, with a postscript, dated 
Nov. 17, 1664, also relates to home affairs. In it he begs 
his wife to bestow some parting present on his niece, Ur- 
sula, and mentions that William Ralston was going to 
Woodside, to bring her home, &c. Letter XLIV., dated 
December 10, 1664, is, according to Professor Mackay, 
written from Cantyre also, and is another most truly beau- 
tiful letter. It was written on the occasion of his wife's 
going to reside in Edinburgh, and expresses his feelings 
at being separated so far away from her. 

We have no more tidings either from or about Car- 
staires till next year, 1665, when we meet with two letters 
to him from his wife ; one undated, and the other dated 
June 21, (see Letters XLV., a ) from which we learn that 
he was still in hiding — that she was against his joining 
her — that the child to which she had given birth was a 
fine one, and named Robert, and that the Lord had been 
very kind to her. 

M'Crie, in his Life of Veitch, notices, that, up to the 
time of the Battle of Pentland, Carstaires had continuec 
always lurking. Now, that battle was fought in 1 666 ; 
so that the circumstance of his having signed his brother- 
in-law's Testament cost him, it would seem, no less than 
two years' wanderings and hidings. 

From M'Crie and Kirkton we learn, that, before the en- 

a See foot-note, p. 29. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



33 



gagement of Rullion Green, near the Pentlands, Cald- 
well, Kersland, and some other West-country gentlemen, 
made a rising in their district, for the purpose of joining 
Colonel Wallace's troops, and that Carstaires, contrary 
to his own judgment, was prevailed on to accompany them. 
It was, perhaps, as fortunate that they did not manage to 
effect their march in time to be present at the action ; for 
their numbers not exceeding fifty, and Colonel Wallace 
and his covenanting troops having sustained a complete 
defeat from Dalzell, it is not likely that their assistance 
could have done much for the cause, whilst the rendering 
of it might have exposed them to imminentdanger. News 
of the defeat having reached them when at Glassford, and 
being there told also that Dalzell was now between them 
and their friends, they went no farther east, but retired and 
dispersed. Kirkton says of Carstaires, " He came along 
much against his inclination, only to satisfy the impor- 
tunity of his friends ; for in secret he persuaded his friends 
not to appear." And M'Crie remarks, that had Cald- 
well's troops gone to Bothwell instead of Glassford, the) 
might have come at their friends. For this rising Cald- 
well's estate was given to General Dalzell, (although it 
would appear from a letter of Mrs Carstaires, sent by the 
writer of these Notices to the Christian Instructor two 
years ago, that the King at first was for keeping it to him- 
self,) and Kersland's was given to Drummond, who was 
Major-General to the Prelatic forces ; but at the Revolu- 
tion these estates were again restored. It was a fortunate 
thing for the posterity of these leaders that they were thus 
dealt with, for, had they been fined, their estates would have 
been so much reduced, that it would have been impossible 
to have retained them. 



34 



NOTICES OF THE 



Carstaires, on account of this transaction, was forfeited 
both in person and estate, and although an indemnity was 
granted in October next year, (1667,) yet he was ex- 
cepted out of it. His brothers-in-law, Porterfield of 
Quarrelton, and Caldwell, were " forfaulted," but he 
being absent could not. Sir John Nesbit was King's Ad- 
vocate at this time, and the justice court where the mat- 
ter was accomplished was held in June in Edinburgh. 

The year of this rising, (1666,) we have two Letters in 
this volume, written to Carstaires by his wife, viz., Letters 
XLVI. and XLVII., as their contents evidently show. 
The first is without date, and the second is only dated 
August 30. In the first, the illness of Mrs Ralston is 
noticed, and it is probable that shortly afterwards this 
good lady (sister of Mrs Carstaires) died. In the se- 
cond, notice is given of the death of the baby, Robert 
Carstaires. This incident is mentioned with singular re- 
signation. It took place on August 3 of this year. 
As a whole, Letter XLVII. is a splendid specimen of fe- 
male heroism, and will be found in many ways interesting 
to the lover of those times. 

We may here remark, that there is another letter of Mrs 
Carstaires, written also this year, along with some others 
of a kindred character, to be found in the Christian In- 
structor of 1840, which the writer of this Sketch then sent 
to the Editor of that periodical. a 

We have no more of the letters of Mr or Mrs Car- 
staires after 1666, the rest in this volume being either 
anonymous, or dying speeches or letters, written, not by, 
but to Carstaires, at different undated and undeterminable 
periods. The next accounts we get of him are from 

* Christian Instructor, New Series, vol. iii, p. 53. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



35 



Wodrow, who mentions, that on the 3d of September 
1672, he was liberated by bond. Whether he had been 
imprisoned or concealed between 1667 and this date, is 
not clear. Wodrow, however, is mistaken in thinking 
that he spent that period in Holland, it being clear to Dr 
Steven (who psfesses himself to have been at one ccm. 
time misled by Wodrow on this particular) that he never 
was in Holland. 

He was now fifty years of age, and doubtless much af- 
fected in health by the cruel treatment he had so often 
sustained. It does not appear that he lived much out of 
Edinburgh after his liberation ; for he never was allowed 
to return to his church again. 

When in Edinburgh he seems to have busied himself in 
instructing private Christians in the knowledge of the 
truth through the medium of letters, as we find three ad- 
dressed to him from Holyrood, by two daughters of David 
Lord Balcarras, thanking him for his care for their spiritual 
advancement. (See Letters XLIX., L., LI.) 

But though thus in great measure retired from public 
life, he was not, by any means, now forgotten by the 
Christian world. On the contrary, we find that, in 1675, 
he had a most flattering invitation from the Consistory of 
the Scottish Church at Rotterdam to be minister in that 
city. 

The extract from the session-books of the above church, 
of which the following is a copy, was kindly lent to the 
writer of this Sketch by the Rev. Dr Steven, formerly mi- 
nister at Rotterdam. 

" The Session met at 9 o'clock, a. m., Saturday 19th 
June 1677- 



36 



NOTICES OF THE 



" The Session meeting at Mr Russel's house, conform 
to appointment ; John Fleming and Robert Allan absent. 
After prayer, as aforesaid, the letters ordered to be writ- 
ten to Mr Carstaires and Mr Kirkton were read, ap- 
proved, and subscribed by all present ; and first, that letter 
directed to Mr Carstaires, as follows : — 

(Consistory Letter to Mr John Carstaires.) 

" Eott., June 19, 1677. 

" Rev. and Dear Sir, — As you have been endeared 
to us upon the account of your savouriness, because of 
the exceeding grace of God in you, and of the singularity 
of your serviceableness to your Master's great interest, so 
we do, by this signification, testify our particular obligation 
you have put upon us, by the great pains you have taken 
on our behalf to have us planted with a faithful minister. 
And yet, dear Sir, give us leave, without a mistake, to 
tell you that you have gone too far about. We had an 
account from your colleague, after he received your return, 
what he had done by virtue of that power we had put 
upon him, and was none other than what partly resided 
in him ; and when he gave us an account of his serious 
interposings with you, as we could not but judge that he 
had pitcht upon the person in the world on whom our- 
selves would have pitcht, and do by this approve what he 
hath done, so we cannot dissemble the sorrow it was to our 
souls to hear what a return you had given. And now, Sir, 
since by his to us he hath acquainted us that he is yet to 
write to you, and to interpose with you on our behalf, we 
have laid hold upon this opportunity, not only to let you see 
we approve his choice, and homologate his call, but most 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



37 



earnestly, in the bowels of Christ, who hath counted you 
faithful, and put you in the ministry for his poor flock's 
sake, for whom we know ye have bowels of compassion 
for us your poor brethren's sake, who stand in need of 
such a shepherd ; nay, for the more general interest of the 
Church of Christ, and for the interest of that very church 
which we seem by our call to withdraw you to, which we 
are confident, when you are here, you shall not evade nor 
escape the conviction, as matters now stand both there 
and here, of your being in far better case and cir- 
cumstances to serve God, in the Gospel of his Son, in 
this place than j^u can do at present in the capacity 
wherein you are. We say, dear Sir, for all these reasons 
which plead upon v^ou, listen to our earnest call and invi- 
tation; do not fill us with sorrow by a refusal, neither make 
our hearts sick by deferring our hope ; but, without more 
delay, come over and help us. We know your colleague, 
upon the discouragement you gave him, hath written an 
alternation, in case you yourself be not prevailed with, and 
we must tell you we both approve of his pitching upon so 
eminent and faithful a servant of Christ ; and we acknow- 
ledge the pains you have been at to persuade him to a 
compliance with our desire ; and necessity hath singularly 
obliged us. But, notwithstanding of what we have written 
to that worthy man, whose praise is in the Church of 
Christ, yet, we must tell you, we have only done it be- 
cause you have thrust us from you ; and to make that ap- 
pear, we once more appear before you, in the posture of 
supplicants, begging that you will not prove obstinate 
and inexorable. 

" We have heard of some of your reasons, which are far 
. from discouraging us, that, we cannot deny it, they give 



38 



NOTICES OF THE 



us confidence to conclude that you can be of more use to 
us than you can be there. Neither see we with what 
clearness you can thrust us from you. Dare we venture 
to bid you remember there was more of humility in that 
answer, 'Here I am, send me !' than in that, ' Send, I pray 
thee, by the hand of whom thou shouldest send !' (Pardon, 
reverend and dear Sir, if grief and desire draw expressions 
from us, which otherwise, speaking to you, we would not 
suffer ourselves to express.) Neither think that the alter- 
ation doth, in the least, lose you ; for we must tell you 
once more, there is no alternative till you have absolutely 
refused ; and in that case, we grant we have not only joined 
with your colleague, in putting it upon you to overcome 
that worthy man into a compliance with our invitation, as 
knowing you have power with him above any, that we are 
confident, reverend and dear Sir, to tell you our souls, and 
the souls of their people, desire with us your present com- 
ing over : therefore, fill not our hearts with sorrow by a re- 
fusal. 

" This, being drawn by special order of the Session, was 
read, and unanimously approved and ordered to be sub- 
scribed in their name, by, reverend and worthy Sir, 

" Your loving brother, and earnest supplicants," &c. 

Notwithstanding the kindness and urgency of this most 
masterly letter, Mr Carstaires did not feel himself at li- 
berty to go to Rotterdam, his strength being much im- 
paired, and having other considerations to keep him in his 
native land. And Mr Fleming, who had formerly been 
minister at Cambuslang, was therefore appointed in his 
stead. Noticing the circumstance of Mr Carstaires' re- 
fusal, Mr M'Ward (whom, in a letter dated Edinburgh, 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIltES. 



39 



1679, February 12, published in the Appendix of M'Crie's 
Life of Veitch, Carstaires calls his dearest brother, nay, 
more, his " dearest, and even as a womb-born brother,") 
thus wrote to Holland respecting him : — 

" If his bodily condition, and other things, had suffered 
him to come, you would quickly have had a conviction that 
in planting the place with him, I had done it by one whose 
liveliness in preaching the Gospel would have made all 
the congregation to have blessed the Lord that my with- 
drawing had made way for planting such a burning and 
shining light amongst them ; and, in remembrance of that 
mercy, (if bestowed, O if it might yet be !) my soul should 
have allowed them eitjier an oblivion of me, or such a 
remembrance as would only have provoked them to 
have prayed for pardon to me, that I sinfully wanted 
that shining seriousness which they would have found in 
him ; the observation whereof gives me confidence to 
say, that though we conversed long together as colleagues, 
—and I judge no two ministers on earth live in a more in- 
timate fellowship, — yet such was the eminence of the* 
grace of God in him, and so manifest was the presence of 
God with him, that, to the best of my remembrance, I did 
never open my mouth where he was but with the greatest 
reluctance." (See Steven's History of Scottish Churchy 
Rotterdam, pp. 5, 6, 7.) 

It was in the year 1679 that the preface to Calderwood's 
Church History was written by Carstaires ; and Dr 
M'Crie was of opinion that he obtained his copy of 
that book from Douglas of Cavers, whose family has to 
this day the copy of it mentioned in a letter of Carstaires' 
to M'Ward, given in the Life of Veitch. 



40 



NOTICES OF THE 



The mildness of his temper, and desire for the peace 
of Israel, eminently appear from what he wrote to his 
friend in one of the letters above quoted, (dated Edin- 
burgh, February 1679.) " Is there," (says he,) 44 my 
dearly beloved brother, and man greatly beloved, no place 
for entreaties and beseechings, to consider and endeavour 
to prevent, before things be quite past remedy, (for I will 
dispute none ;) — is there, I say, no place to consider whe- 
ther it was better to supersede our contendings than to 
have our Church ruined ? I scarcely see a middle way for 
any thing. I hear the sober and judicious godly in Scot- 
land will not hold up with these late methods ; and indi- 
rect ways are taken to blast every man's repute that finds 
not in his heart to go all the length that some go ; but it's 
a small thing to be judged of men. As for poor me ! — O 
if I knew of a cottage in the wilderness while I live, and 
were sure thence to go to the kingdom." 

One cannot read these words without feeling how nearly 
the present times resemble those of Carstaires and M 4 Ward, 
and without admiring the fortitude that could make the 
same man, who had despised suffering in former times, 
despise shame in later, when he saw that the same princi- 
ple called for either magnanimity. 

We find from Wodrow that Mrs John Carstaires and 
her sister, Mrs Durham, were both imprisoned this year 
for attending on 44 conventicles." 44 Upon the 4th instant," 
says Wodrow, <4 a conventicle was discovered in Mrs 
Durham's house, and Margaret Mure, relict of Mr James 
Durham, and Janet Mure, spouse to Mr John Carstaires, 
were taken and imprisoned in Edinburgh Tolbooth. This 
day they petition the council to be released out of prison. 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



41 



With some difficulty, some friends of theirs got the coun- 
cil to remit them to the magistrates of Edinburgh." (See 
Wodrow, vol. iii. page 10.) 

A circumstance occurred in the year 1680, connected 
with Carstaires, which it is difficult altogether to explain. 
A Mr Skene, a gentleman of family in Aberdeen, was 
this year executed for having denied the king's authority, 
and owned " the rebels at Bothwell and Ayres Moss," &c, 
and, dying, he declared that his blood was on the head of 
many, and, among others, " upon the head of J — C — 
(John Carstaires,) " who condemned my testimony against 
those bloody tyrants, asserting me to be a Jesuit. " a It is 
so unlike Carstaires to have done such a thing, that we 
cannot but give place to the words of Wodrow, — who had 
no doubt that he did not,— which words are as follows : — 
" In charity I shall believe that Mr Skene was informed 
that the Rev. Mr Carstaires had said so ; but the same 
charity, and Mr Carstaires' known tenderness and tem- 
per, forbids me to believe he said so." (Wodrow, vol. 
iii. page 228 ) This, we think, must be the true way of 
accounting for the unhappy misunderstanding, which, in 
that case, only attests the Scripture doctrine, that " a tale- 
bearer separateth chief friends." 

Shortly after this event, Carstaires was brought before a 
committee of council, where Argyll presided, and ques- 
tioned as to whether his opinions agreed with Mr Skene's 
or not. The following is Wodrow's account of his decla- 
ration : — " He owned the king's authority, and that of the 
courts. With a great deal of seriousness, he disclaimed 
the follies and principles Mr Skene and some others now 



a See Cloud of Witnesses. 



42 



NOTICES OF THE 



advance ; and said, he could not express his abominating 
their extremities with vehemence enough. He protested 
against John Bishop of Edinburgh sitting in a civil judi- 
catory, or any of his character ; he acknowledged the King 
to be the fountain of honour, but denied the bishop was 
capable of it. He declared he loved his Majesty's person, 
and honoured him, and daily prayed for him. He and 
the other two (William Johnston and Joseph Brody, mer- 
chants, Edinburgh) were set at liberty ; and Mr Car- 
staires came off with a great deal of respect and applause, 
even of adversaries ; only Bishop Paterson was extremely 
fretted, and promised him a return, if ever it lay in his 
power, for protesting against his being a councillor, re- 
fusing him his titles, and terming him only Mr Paterson." 

The following anecdote, which we quote from a note 
to M'Crie's Life of Veitch, may be found, with little va- 
riation, in both the Christian Instructor for 1827, and 
Wodrow's Analecta, at present being printed for the 
Maitland Club :— 

" In the year 1681, the Earl of Rothes being on his 
death-bed, appeared concerned upon views of eternity, and 
the Rev. John Carstaires, upon his desire, waited upon 
him, and prayed with him ; the Duke of Hamilton and 
many others of his noble relations being present, and few ' 
were present without being affected very sensibly. When 
the Duke of York heard that Presbyterian Ministers had 
been with the Chancellor, he is said to have had this ex- 
pression — i That all Scotland were either Presbyterian 
through their life or at their death, profess what they 
would.' " In the Wodrow Analecta this anecdote is in- 
troduced with the following remarks : — " Mr John Car- 
staires, who published most part of Mr Durham's sermons 



LIFE OF THE KEY JOHN CARSTAiRES. 



43 



that are in print, was a person very powerful and eminent 
in prayer. He was frequently at St Andrews with his 
brother-in-law, Mr James Wood; and Mr Wood used to 
say — ' We come near our brother someway in government 
and preaching, but in prayer he goes quite out of our 
reach, we cannot once come near him.' There were two 
prayers of his much spoken of; the one after Mr An- 
drew Gray's death with his widow, which [was] extremely 
moving, and the other with the Duke of Rothes that day 
he died." 

Mr Carstaires seems to have been much sought after 
on account of his gift of pray&r by nobles in their afflic- 
tion. It would appear that he was engaged in prayer 
with the Marchioness of Argyll when her husband was 
about to be executed. This is noticed in the following 
extract from the Wodrow Analecta : — 

" The day on which the Marquis of Argyll was exe- 
cute, he was taken up some two hours or thereby in the 
forenoon in civil business, clearing and adjusting some 
accounts, and subscribing papers. There being a number 
of persons of quality in the room with him, and while he 
was thus employed there came such a heavenly gale from 
the Spirit of God upon his soul, that he could not abstain 
from tearing ; but, lest it should be discovered, he turned 
in to the fire, and took up the tongs in his hands, making 
a fashion of stirring up the fire in the chimney ; but then 
he was not able to contain himself, and, turning about 
and melting down in tears, he burst out in these words — 
* I see this will not doe ; I must now declair what the 
Lord has done for my soul ! He has just now, at this very 
instant of time, sealed my charter in these words — Son, 
be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee !* And, in- 



44 



NOTICES OF THE 



deed, it seems it was sealed with another remarkable wit- 
ness ; for, at that very instant of time, Mr John Car- 
staires was wrestling with God in prayer in his behalf in 
a chamber in the Canongate with his lady, the Mar- 
chioness of Argyll, pleading that the Lord would now seal 
his charter by saying unto him, ' Son, be of good cheer, 
thy sins are forgiven thee !' To this, it seems, the Mar- 
quis himself alluded in his speech. It seems Carstaires 
generally observed that when in the pulpit he was most 
assisted in his first prayer in the morning, in which he 
usually took notice of public affairs and the state of the 
Churches ; but that he was usually very brief in his last 
prayer, his strength being almost spent before he came 
to it." (See Wodrow's Analecta, vol. ii. p. 148.) It was 
in 1682 that Carstaires prefaced Durham's book upon 
Isaiah, with a dedicatory epistle to the Earl of Crawford. 

From the letter which he wrote on the 3d of Novem- 
ber 1684 to the Secretary of State, (which is given at 
full length in Wodrow, vol. iv. pp. 39 and 40,) we learn 
now he was almost 63 ; " that he was so infirm, that for 
the last two and thirty months he had not but twice, 
and that not without some difficulty, walked between the 
Cross and Tron, nor so much as crossed the narrowest 
street or lane in Edinburgh for twelve months ; that fear- 
ing all Presbyterian Non-conformist clergy were now to 
be either perpetually imprisoned or banished his Majes- 
ty's dominions, he wished, at this late date, a pass to go out 
of his native country, where he had thought to have been 
permitted to die — a pass not charged either with a prohi- 
bition to discharge his ministry, or to return at a future 
time. He mentions that he dare not engage, whatever his 
practice might be, not to exercise his ministry; that he ex- 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



45 



pected to die on his way, (as he intended going far off ;) 
that for four months he had been unable to take one turn 
in his chamber, and a considerable time in bed in great 
agony." The description given of his health here is cor- 
roborated by the fact, that when he prayed with the Duke 
of Rothes, he had to be carried into that nobleman's 
room, being so frail as not to be able to walk into it. 

Wodrow says, " What the reception or consequent of 
this address to the secretary was, I know not, but I think 
this singular and eminent servant of Christ died not long 
after this, (three or four years,) and got beyond their reach ; 
yet still the ingratitude and severity of this period toward 
this worthy minister and others was not less, and many 
were brought to hard circumstances." (See Wodrow, 
vol. iv. p. 40.) 

The date of the death of Carstaires cannot be exactly 
given ; it has been thought to have been 1685, from the 
following statement, made by him in his preface to Dur- 
ham's Unsearchable Riches of Christ, dated July 4, 1615. 
" I heartily wish that this mite of service may be accept- 
able to the saints, it being the last service of this kind 
that I shall have access to do them." But an apparent 
contradiction in the Appendix to the fourth volume of 
Wodrow makes us incline^to suppose he did not die till 
1686. The contradiction is as follows : — Mrs Dunlop, in 
writing to her husband, mentions that she would have 
been with his mother, but could not now leave her own 
(my) poor fatherless and motherless sisters, from her so 
long as she was here, (Edinburgh ;) and the Principal, 
(Carstaires,) in a letter, dated Leyden, March 14, 1687, 
addressed to his sister Mrs Dunlop, says, " I hope it shall 
ever appear how mindful I am of my dear parents their 



46 NOTICES OF THE 

commands, and how much I desire to be to you and them, 
dear sister, your most affectionate brother, and faithful 
well-wisher, W. C." ^ 

But whether he died in 1685, 1686, or 1687, we have 
his dying words preserved in the Advocates' Library ; and 
the following is an exact copy of them, with their pre 
amble : — " The last words of Mr John Carstaires, som 
time minister of the Gospel at Glasgow, as they wer 
taken from his own mouth when a-dying, anno 1685, o 
1686, by Mr William Chrighton, some time minister o 
the Gospel at Edinburgh. Being asked how it was with 
him, he answered, ' That he had laid aside all duties, an 
all his performances whatsoever ; and that he had betaker 
himself to the righteousness of Jesus Christ and reste 
thereon ; and that thereby he concluded, that within 
little he should be as well, and much better than ever, ir 
the best frame of soul he was in, being made holy as Go 
is holy, and knowing Him as he was known of Him.' 

" Being asked as to the public matters of God and the 
times, he said, 'That it was a very great depth ; but if I be 
not far mistaken of the word and ways of God, the heart 
of God is not toward these men ; and that, notwithstand 
ing of all their successes and prevailings of a long time 
against the people and work of God, he was persuadec 
tand&m bona causa triumphabiL He exhorted all hi 
friends to walk humbly with God, to lay on the dust be 
fore him, to wait patiently on him, and to show all man 
ner of compliance with this generation ; the sooner th 
better, the straiter the better. For himself, he blessed th 
Lord that he had in some measure preserved him ; fc 
God had made him many a time willing to have laid hi 
head upon a block, if so be God had called him thereuntc 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



47 



He said he blessed the Lord he had, these twenty or thirty 
years, no challenges for any mints he had made at the 
service of the Lord in the Gospel ; but he had many for 
his shortcomings therein. He left his children and family 
on God, who had given him them, and would be their por- 
tion. If it were possible that Christ and his interest in 
the world could ruin, I had much rather ruin and fall with 
him, (said he,) than stand with any, or all the powers in the 
world ; but as I am persuaded that these cannot perish, so am 
I confident in the Lord these shall revive in all the churches 
of Christ.'" (See M'Crie's Life of Veitch, pp. 16, 17.) 

These are not the boastings of one putting on his har- 
ness, but the serious statements of one who had faithfully 
borne the toil and heat of the day. 

How pleasant to trace the history of such a man, whose 
principles seem to have been rivetted in him, so that nei- 
ther death nor life, nor many persecutions, could at all 
avail to loosen them ; and yet whose temper was even as 
mild as that of the least annoyed of men. The Letters to 
be found in this volume are as full of tenderness as though 
they had been written by one who had been all his life in 
the midst of caresses. So true is it, that that same Spirit 
which makes a Christian add virtue to his faith, bestows 
upon him also that meekness and love which pass all know- 
ledge ! 

We cannot close our Sketch without noticing some of 
the lasting events of a public nature that occurred through- 
out the lifetime of Mr Carstaires ; for the whole period 
of his existence was one of the most remarkable in the 
history of the Church of Scotland. 

Whilst entering college, (a. d. 1638,) as we have al- 



48 NOTICES OF THE 

ready seen, the celebrated General Assembly that deposed 
the Bishops, denounced Episcopacy, repudiated the autho- 
rity of the previous corrupt Assemblies, and established 
acts for the purification of the Scottish Kirk, met at Glas- 
gow. 

During his attendance at college, the affairs of Dunse 
Law and Newburn took place, between the troops of 
Charles and the Covenanters ; the bloody massacre of the 
Protestants occurred in Ireland ; the Westminster As- 
sembly met, and drew up the Confession of Faith ; the 
Solemn League and Covenant was entered into between 
England and Scotland ; the great Montrose was totally 
defeated by Leslie at Philiphaugh ; and King Charles' 
army worsted at Marston Moor and Naseby. 

When at Cathcart, the King was beheaded at Whitehall. 

And during the period, extending from his translation 
to Glasgow, in 1650, to 1664, when obliged to wander for 
the part he had taken in witnessing to the dying Testimony 
of Wood, Cromwell had both gained various victories in 
Scotland, established his civil supremacy in England, and 
ceased to be ; Sharp and Charles II. had both betrayed 
their treachery ; Middleton had been exalted and dis- 
graced ; and Lauderdale had proved himself a ruthless 
persecutor; Argyll was executed; the Black Act for re- 
modelling the Kirk was passed ; the Bishops were again 
established in Scotland, and four hundred Presbyterian 
ministers ejected from their benefices in a single day. 

Between 1664, again, and 1685, (the supposed year o 
his death,) various important events transpired, such as the 
rising of the Pentland ; the affair of Rullion Green ; the 
secret of Charles' views with regard to the Church o 
Scotland, viz. his idea that he should be accounted its 



LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES. 



49 



supreme head — an idea sanctioned ultimately by an act 
of Parliament, that was nullified at the Revolution ; the 
assassination of Sharp at Magus Moor ; the battles of 
Drum clog and Bothwell-Bridge ; the enactment passed 
to put down field-preaching ; the establishment of the 
Test Act ; the death of Cameron at Ayres-moss ; the 
martyrdom of many distinguished Christians, such as 
M'Kail, Neilson of Cormack, and Cargill, also of the 
two Wigtonshire females, and many of inferior note, 
through the cruelty of Claverhouse; and, singular enough, 
the death of Charles II., which occurred in the year 
1685, the same in which Carstaires is supposed to have 
died. 

There can be little doubt that times like these are what, 
in all probability, many now alive will very shortly see ; 
they ought, then, to be well inquired into by all who are 
determined to stand true to God and to the cause of their 
Redeemer, as well in days of trial as of peace. 



D 



t 



I-OTES 



TO THE 

LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN CARST AIRES. 



Note 1, p. 2. 

laef flourish (if it be nothing more) occurs in the record, imme- 
diately after the name of Mr James Carstaires. One can scarcely 
think that it stands for nothing. Dr Buist, who is very well ac- 
quainted with the St Andrews session-books, thinks that nothing 
is meant by it ; but, in the absence of other information about 
■j>, Mr James, it has been thought advisable to flU ffiiB the record with all 
fulness. Future discoveries of his history may tend, perhaps, to settle 
the point, and to make out that is was meant either for M.D., or eld., 
or v. dr m. 

Note 2, p. 2. 

" The will of a Mr James Carstaires." The following is a copy of 
the greater part of the Testament referred to : — " The Testament, 
Testator, and Inventare of the guids, gear, and debts of umquhile Mr 
James Carstaris, resident in St Androis, within the parochin thereof, 
and sherifdome of Fyffe, the tyme of his decis, quhilk was upon the 

— — day of 1625, made and given upo be Johnne Carstaris, 

younger, ane of the tutoris testamentaris, in name of Johnne Carstaris, 
lawful sonne of the sed defunct, being minor, and other testators. 
[The property and debts are here stated, and seem to have been 



52 NOTES. 

pretty extensive, though there is no place mentioned as belonging to 
him, so far as can be seen.] * * * * 

* * * I, Mr James Carstaris, resident in St ! 

Androis, considering myself sic wac of bodie, &c. &c, I mak, &c. Mi* I 
Thomas Houp of Craighall ; Doctour George Martinne, provest of St 
Salvator's Colledge ; Henrie Arthur, provest of the sed citie of St An- 
drois ; Johnne Carstaris, merchant, citines of the said citie, my father- 
in-law ; Johnne Carstaris, younger, his lawfull sone ; and Johnne Lepar, 
merchand, ane of the bailies of St Androis, or any three of them, — the 
said Johnne Carstaris, younger, being always ane lawfull tutoris tes- 
tamentaris to the said Johnne Carstaris, my eldest lawfull sone, — and 
to James Carstaris and Catharine Carstaris, my other lawfull barnis. 

" Item, I leave a legacie to Margaret Clepan, my sister utherine, the 
soume of three hundred mercis money of Scotland. 

"Item, To Mr Hew Lyndsay, citiner of St Androis, the soume of 
ane hundred mercis, &c. 

" Item, I leave to the poor of the said citie of St Androis, to be dis- 
tributed by the session of the kirk thereof, the soume of ; and 
the remainder of my guids, ger, and detts, I leave to the said Johnne 
Carstaris, my eldest lawfull son. In witness whereof, &c. 

" Written 9th day of February 1625 vers." 

The John Lepar noticed in this will was married to Janet Car- 
staris ; and there cannot be a doubt as to her being a sister of Sir 
John of Kilconquhar, as, in the session-books of St Andrews, John 
Lepar is frequently a witness at the baptisms of Sir John's family, and 
Sir John at the baptisms of his, &c. From the retours of Chancery, it 
would appear that he was possessed of the lands of Northbank, in the 
regality of St Andrews, and also of a portion of the lands of Drumcar- 
row, and that his five daughters, Catherine, Anne, Euphemia, Helen, 
and Elizabeth, were co-heiresses at his decease. 

Note 3, page 2. 

" Sir John Carstaires of Kilconquhar." This gentleman, the son 
of John Carstaires, Esq. of Newgrange, in the vicinity of St 
Andrews, obtained the lands of Kilconquhar, a. d. 1639, Parlia- 
ment ratifying the settlement in a.d. 1641. This estate had be- 
longed previously to the Ballendens, and before them to the Dunbars, 
Earls of March, one of which family built the mansion-house, which, 



NOTES. 



53 



till a few years ago, stood much in its original form, before the present 
proprietor, Sir Henry Bethune, Bart., built his splendid additions to 
it^ constituting it one of the finest houses in Fife. 

Sir John was married to Helen, third daughter of Sir Archibald 
Murray of Blackbarony, Bart., and had a large family by her. From 
this couple sprang that Sir John Carstaires of Kilconquhar who mar- 
ried Dame Ann Bruce, heiress of Kinross, and widow of Sir Thomas 
Hope of Craighall, Bart., and brought into his family, by this mar- 
riage, (the issue of Dame Anne by her first husband becoming extinct 
in the second generation,) the estates of Kinross. This Sir John was 
succeeded by his son James, who added the name Bruce to Car- 
staires ; and married a daughter (Christian) of Sir P. Wedderburn Hal- 
kett of G-osford and Pitferran. From him descended the late James 
Carstaires Bruce (or, as the name should have been written, accord- 
ing to the quarterings of the family shield, James Bruce Carstaires) 
of Balchrystie, who married the Honourable Elizabeth, daughter of 
the seventh Lord Rollo, who survives, but by whom he had no family. 
Thus the Carstaires of Kilconquhar are now, and but lately, extinct. 
These particulars, in the greater part, have been obtained from the Ho- 
nourable Mrs Carstaires Bruce, above mentioned, who kindly permit- 
ted the writer of this sketch to examine some of her genealogical papers. 

A singular sort of fatality seems to have hung over this family. 
The crest of Carstaires is a sun-flower opening to the rising sun, and 
the motto is this — " is te splendente ;" and so long as the name Car-O 
staires was all that Sir John's family bore, they prospered most re- 
markably, acquiring lands, and succeeding to estates in a very feli- 
citous and singular manner. But the crest of the Bruces of Kinross 
is the sun setting, and the motto of the family " Irrevocable." And 
ever since the Carstaires assumed that name they have come down 
by degrees, both in fortune and in numbers, till now that the family 
is extinct, and extinct without leaving any property to be sought after. 
The Honourable Mrs Bruce has often remarked this circumstance to 
the writer of these notices. See the Genealogical Tree of the Family 
of Carstaires of Kilconquhar. 

Note 4, page 2. 

Some traditions would make the first Sir John an uncle of the Rev. 



54 



NOTES. 



John, others would make him his father, and that of the Dunlops 
would make him his grandfather. It is impossible he could have 
been this last, as he lived a long time after getting the estate of Kil- 
conquhar in 1641, and many of his family were born after this period. 
That he was a relation, however, there cannot be a reasonable doubt ; 
for not only does the opinion of the Honourable Mrs Bruce agree with 
that of the descendants of the Rev. John Carstaires upon this point, 
but in the Denino session records both Sir J q k C arstaires and his 
brother^n-law^ajidUands of StMonance, (^an# 

J Iftntte of CtiliiM?, one of the Loras of the Congre^anon,) are mentioned, 
and Sir John more than once, as witnesses at the baptism of Mrs 
Wood's (Catherine Carstaires') children ; and there are many other 
similar circumstances calculated to excite the same impression, such 
as the circumstance of Principal Carstairs mentioning Kilconquhar 
in one of his letters to his sister in Wodrow's Appendix, and that of 
his brother's having obtained the loan of some money from Sir John, 
and his father's noticing Lady Carstaires in one of the Letters in this 
volume, and an account, in the writer's possession, paid by Principal 
Carstairs in the " Kinneuchar affair." 

Note 5, page 2. 

There is very good ground for indulging the supposition that the 
Mr John Carstaires, senior, merchant, citizen of St Andrews, men- 
tioned in the testament given in Note 2, was the same John Car- 
staires who afterwards became proprietor of Newgrange ; and, there- 
fore, that his son, Mr John, mentioned also in the testament, was 
the same who afterwards was knighted, and, in 1641, constituted pro- 
prietor of Kilconquhar. What renders this supposition very plau- 
sible is the circumstance, first, That when mention begins to be 
made in the St Andrews' session records of John Carstaires of the 
Grange., mention ceases to be made of Mr John Carstaires, senior, 
merchant. Secondly, That no mention is made of Mr John of New- 
grange after 1641 ; the year in which, according to the retours of 
Chancery, Sir John is noticed as having succeeded his father. Thirdly, 
When notice begins to be made of Sir John Carstaires in 1641, no- 
tice ceases to be made of Mr John Carstaires, junior. Fourthly, John 
Carstaires, elder, merchant, was witness, in 1629, to the baptism of 
Eupham, daughter of Mr Sandilands of St Monance, by Catherine 



NOTES. 



55 



Carstaires, (sister of Sir John,) and appears to have been witness at 
the baptisms of others of the same family ; as, for example, at that of 
Jean, daughter of John Lepar and Janet Carstaires, born 1632. 

Note 6, page 6. 

The following extract from a letter received by the writer of these 
Notices, from Dr Forbes of St Paul's, Glasgow, vouches for this: — 
" On receiving your note I waited on Principal M'Farlane, who is 
custodier of the old records belonging to the Presbytery, and stated 
to him what you wished to know concerning Mr Carstaires. In reply, 
he mentioned that the state of the records, at the period when Mr 
Carstaires must have been inducted, was so mutilated, and what re- 
mained so scorched by a fire which burned the Tron Church, about 40 
years ago, that he did not think it practicable to learn anything from 
them." Dated Glasgow, 4th January 1842. 

Note 7, page 8. 

William Sandilands of St Monance, who married Catherine Car- 
staires, sister of Sir J.ohn Carstaires of Kilconquhar House, was a ixJ^A^ 
^igpfc- Sir^JwTn Sandilands of C alder, one of the Lords of the Con- 
gregation. The tomb-stone of this William Sandilands and his wife 
is still to be seen in St Andrews' churchyard, though it is in a most 
mutilated condition ; and is now placed against the wall that skirts 
the burying-ground, having been removed from its position above 
the graves. 




£tr? ^^^^^^ 




LETTERS 

OF 

THE REV. JOHN CARSTAIRES 

AND OTHER 

SCOTTISH WORTHIES. 



LETTER I. 

Mr John Carstaires to Mrs Wood. 

Dear Sister, — I have oftener than once had thoughtes 
to wreit, but these, as manay others, have bein turned to 
nothinge. It is some refreshment to me, in my shortcom- 
ing in this dutie, that ye will not suffer muche prejudice 
by my silence, having the whole counsel of God, in all 
thinges to be believed and done, brought forth to you in 
that place, and fellowship neerer and more remott, where 
the Lord hes cast your lot. O sister ! if it be improven 
and made use of; ye may say, and should say, that your 
lot is sweetlie casten — that thelynes are fallen to you in a 
pleasant place, and that ye have a goodlie inheritance. 
Wher is the joyfull sound heard so ? Where are all or- 
dinances so ? What people lyke to you, to whom God is 



58 



LETTER I. 



1649. 



so near in all thinges ye call to him for ? And wher is ther 
sweeter fellowship, occasione of it at least, with some emi- 
nent Christians, and wher such a yoke fellow ? By all 
which, God calls for, and gives notable helps to, com- 
munione with himselfe in his Chryst ; by these thinges men 
lives ; and in all these thinges is the lyfe of the spirits of 
his people. Now the Lord himselfe, that teaches his people 
to profit, teache you to profit by all these thinges, and 
come to your haste with the fullness of the blessing of the 
Gospel of Chryst. Precious ! O verie precious, are your 
offers and opportunities ! O that he wolde give you the 
good and sweet fruit of them. Your sister is growing 
strong, and a fyne nurse to hir son, a yet alive. Let the 
Lord oune him for his. Shee thinkes her selfe muehe 
bound to your kynd husband and your selfe. It is refresh- 
full to us that we are keeped with you in remembrance. 

Fearing muche the bearer's way-going, I dare say no 
more ; but let the good will of God, and his riche blessings 
in Jesus Christ, be on both you and yours. I rest, sister, 
your affectionate brother, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

Glasgow, Feb. 16, 1649. 

Let these kyndlie remember your sisters, and my real- 
lest love to your husband and selfe. Let him excuse mee 
I am hasted. I have sent that booke, sister, your pro- 
pynie or token is sweet, because yours. 

For his loving Sister, 

Katharine Carstares, 
these. 



* This son was William, afterwards Principal Carstairs. 



1650. 



CARSTAIRES TO MRS WOOD. 



59 



LETTER II. 

The Same to the Same. 

Dear Sister, — I think the tyme of your solitariness 
is lengthened by your expectations wherein the Lord, no 
questione, hes his oune endes, as more publicke, so more 
particular in reference even to you. It may be he wolde 
have you taking a proof of what he himselfe is, without 
the choice of all creature comfortes ; and learning the ex- 
cellent airt of upmaking in God all wishes and wants in 
the creature, which is a lesson well worthie the learning, 
thoughe it wer by a quarter of a year's solitariness, and 
heavie exercise throughe that. Let him be imployed in 
this to helpe you to take out some thinge of this lessoune, 
and to putt the matter of your interest in Jesus Chryst, 
in this precious opportunitie, to some poynt. I think the 
longer we live ther will be more and more discoveries of 
the emptiness, vanitie, and unsatisfactoriness, of all thinges 
under the sun, and the absolute necessitie of making use 
of precious Chryst. I beseech you, dear sister, have a 
care of your body, and learn not to be anxious nor per- 
plexed with oursetting caer for anay thinge ; and let him 
dispose upon all events as seems good to him, who will be 
very loath (ye seeking him) in anay thinge to lett you 
suffer prejudice. He will certainlie doe all thinges well, 
onlie give him credit and follow your dutie, making use 
of Jesus Chryst therein. Your sister desyres kyndlie 
to remember you. It's lyke we wolde have seen you 



60 LETTER III. 1650.' 

before this, had shee not taken ane ill hoste, which seems 
now to be wearing from her, I rest, your oune brother, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

Glasgow, Jan. 10, 1650. 

Make welcome Mr James Durham, a Mr Bailie, b anc 
Mr Patrick Colville, if they come to see you. 

For Mr James Wood his Wyfe, 
these. 



LETTER III. 

Mr James Wood to his Wife. 

to me, a sight of you will be to me sweeter than any that 
ever I hade hithertill ; and I will account it as a new gift 
of you from God. He himself knowes how sad nights 
and dayes I have had for you since we came from Hol- 
land, (w r hich is at the wreiting hereof twenty-two dayes,^ 
and how weet cheeks I had this morning at our coming 
at land. My feares have proceeded, partlie from want of 
having a word from you when our last publick packet 
came to Holland, though I got a letter therein from our 
Principal, and partlie from apprehensions, both preceed- 
ing and following that. Alwayes, deare Katherine, my 

a His wife's brother-in-law. b The celebrated Principal. 

c Torn in the manuscript. 



1650. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



61 



onlie earthlie joy, if yee be in the land of the living well, 
this bitternesse will produce yet greater sweetnesse. 

We are here lying at anchor at the mouth of the Spey, 
in Murray, not to come ashore befor to-morrow, becaus 
it's the Sabbath, and the King is this day taking the Co- 
venant. He has given all the satisfaction was desired in 
the last papers in everie particular. I hope this week to 
see you. This is in much haste. The grace of the Lord 
be with you, deare jewel. I am, youre owne, deare, and 
loving, 

Mr James Wood. 

From Shipboard at Speymouth, 
Junie 23, a 1650. 

David Mitchell is here verie well ; and has his love re- 
membered to his wife. 

For my Dear Sister, 

Katherine * * * * b 
St * * * * 
these. 



LETTER IV. 

Mr John Car stair es to his Wife. 

My Heart, — Your last to me, throughe the bearer's 
sloathfulness, came not to my handes. There hes, no 
doubt, bein a providence in it, whiche I desyre to reve- 



a Historians all notice the 23d of June 1650, as the very day when Charles II. 
landed in Scotland at Speymouth. b Torn in the manuscript. 



62 



LETTER IV. 



1650. 



rence, as carrying in it reproofe to rac because of litle no- 
tice taking of or profiting by what is written or spoken to 
me ; it is not, however, how litle observant I have bein, 
and am, to this day, of his comings and goings by me, in 
one dispensatione and another, I may cry out, Woe is me | 
my leanness, my leanness ! It's a wonder to me, at least 
it may be, how it hes not bein obvious and palpable, fea- 
sible to all his people, standing by and looking on, that 
my nakedness hes not longe ere now bein discovered — that 
the painture upon this tombe hes not bein rubbed off, and 
the rottenness within seen — that the vizorme and cover 
hes not bein pulled of this face, which hes longe, even 
verie longe, much deceaved a worlde. I thinke (at 
least I may) that there was never anay that had such 
traffichine that keeped up so muche treading in the. 
praciousest thinges with so poor and small a stroke, that 
boore out so great a porte of a professione among the 
people of God having so litle of him — that came so fyne 
to the street, having so much povertie and want at home 
within doores. How is it that I have winne thus far 
throughe, unknowen ? How has it come to pass, having, 
I may say, (for the lyfe of communion,) lived without 
God and without Chryst in the worlde, seldome or never 
able to say it from anay feeke of experience ; and feeling 
truelie my fellowship is with the Father and with his Son 
Jesus Chryst ; having so litle answered expectatione in all 
employments and relationes whereof ye know somewhat ? 
What have I done as a son to parents ? What have I 
done as a brother ? What as a friend ? What as a neigh- 
bour ? What as a husband, a father, and head of a fa- 
milie ? What as a minister, a pastour, a watchman, a 
stuard, a servant of Jesus Chryst, a friend of the Bride- 



1650. 



CARSTAIRE S TO HIS WIFE. 



63 



groom ? What as a member of judicatories ; and what as 
la Christian, an expectant of heaven, who should be the 
glorie of the Father, and in whom Chryst should be the 
hope of glorie ? It cannot be told how emptie and toome 
I in all these I have bein ; and how unfaithfull, all places, 
all stations, and callinges, and all relations, may testifie, 
depone, and proofe, much against me. He has hitherto 
suspended the leading of this processe against me, ex- 
cepte in the court of my own conscience, where things hes 
never, as yet, bein so taken with as they ought, nor 
mourned for ; nather hes the advocat bein so putt to doe 
his office ; he seems still to holde it at this court. I de- 
syre to wait for his helping me to pass sentence more 
throughlie for these, for all these thinges upon my selfe, 
and to make more use of him who is an Advocatt with the 
Father, even Jesus Chryst the righteous, who has never 
gotten his owne place with me, nather the love, honour, 
and respect due to his place. When, when, will He be 
precious to me as he is to all them that beleive ? even 
\ when his usefulness to me as Cautioner, as Advocatt, and 
Mediator ; when his worthe and superexcellencie shall be 
discovered. I wolde fain believe that he will rather, (?) 
and commend himself to my heart, as altogether lovelie ; 
as most sweet, as beautiful and glorious, as most excel- 
lent, as non-suche, and if so, weils me for evermore ; but 
alace it's far from this for the present, even as far, not- 
withstanding of the present dispensatione, as it hes bein for 
a long tyme before ; yet they are verie far behinde whom 
he cannot fetch up ! O, that he wold draw me, and make me 
run after him, that he wolde inlarge my heart, and cause 
me run, with some chearfullness, the way of his command- 
ments, none of which are grievous, though they have bein 



64 



LETTER IV. 



1650. 



manay a day so in my account. Wolde to God it might be 
so no more. I know he is doing you good ; let not limit- 
ing' * * * * a despysing leytilbeing, and suspecting 
his beliefe hinder him. I hope he is letting you see that 
he cares for you and yours, so that carefulness will be 
looked upon as sinfull by you, who hes had strange expe- 
riences of his tender looking to what concernes you. Be- 
lieve that he loves you with his heart, and means good to 
you, from all the totches that ye have hitherto mett with, 
or shall hereafter meet with. Ye will find him verie loath 
to make you sad ; and if at any tyme ye be in heaviness, 
through manifold tentationes, he will let you see the need- 
fulness of it. It's lyke your heaviness may be as great now 
as ever it hes bein, yet let not your heart be troubled, he 
is fulfilling all his pleasure ; he is executing his auncient 
counselles ; he is bringing to pass what he hes before de- 
termined to be done ; the things of his heart are taking 
place in this asineverie other generatione. Now, all his 
thoughts concerning his people are thoughts of peace and 
not of ill ; his thoughts concerning them are precious ; he 
knowes the thoughts which he thinkes, and who else has 
ever, to the full, discovered or plumbed the depth of their 
thoughtes ? These thoughtes are the same for ever, for 
love and good-will. Whatever changes there be of dispen- 
sationes he is never, indeed, ******** 

**************** *b 

ane enemie. When he is as ane enemie it is still peace that 
is in his thoughtes ; there is never ill in his mynde, never 
ane ill turne, so to spake, none of his thoughtes are 
thoughtes of ill. Beleeve this ! O beleeve this, dear heart! 



a Word torn in the manuscript. b A part of the letter torn and illegible here. 



1650. 



CARSTAI RES TO HIS WIFE. 



65 



in reference to yourself and his people in the land ; take 
him not to be a reall enemie, to be an ill-wilier ; looke for 
good from him, promise it to yourselfe from him, expecte 
it, even out of these sad thinges ; and he will give ane ex- 
pected end, he will satisfie, yea, goe beyonde, expectation. 
He defyes his people to looke for so much good from him, 
but he shall warre their expectatione ; quyet yourselfe 
upon him, seek into his bosome ; it's open to you. I de- 
syre to leave you with these litle ones there, with all his 
precious people in these afflicted parts ; I hope not for- 
gotten parts. We are still where we wer, desyring to re- 
member the Lord's worke and his people there, and to 
wait for his appearing for the comforte of his Israeli. 
Hoping also that he will make it known that he hes a 
people there that desyre to fear him, and to keepe their 
garments clean and unspotted with what is sinfull and dis- 
pleasing to God, ather upon the left or right hand, not 
further, I am, dear heart, your oune in the Lord, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

Edinburgh, October 4. 
[Written from the Castle, where he was a prisoner, after the battle of Dunbar. J 

Let me know how you are as shortlie as may be. It's 
for this I have sent the bearer, who is not unwilling. I 
desyre to remember our deare friend. I hope she knowes 
herself to be remembered by Him who cannot forgett his 
people. 

For Mr John Carstaires his Wyfe, 
these. 



E 



66 



LETTER V. 



1650. 



LETTER V. 

The Same to the Same. 

[Still from Edinburgh Castle, where he was a prisoner.] 

My Heart, — I receaved yours, written by ane other 
hand, wherewith I was somewhat refreshed, and might 
have bein much more, had the frame of my spirit bein as it 
seldome uses to be, discovering therein some thinge of my 
desyre concerning the sanctified use of this dispensation 
to you-wards, kindlie condescended unto, and satisfied 
by the Lord; as also somewhat of his purpose to bring 
about that which the strange concurrence of providences 
about our first looking towards this yocke did promise, 
and hes bein hitherto mainlie, if not onlie, (I may say 
onlie,) obstructed by me, who have exceedinglie stood 
in the way of our thryving. The remembrance whereof, 
amongst other thinges, may be matter of weighting ex- 
ercise upon my spirit. I wolde fain beleeve that he will 
pardon this iniquitie to me, and helpe me to be more use- 
full and serviceable to my generatione, as in other sta- 
tions and relations, so also in that, that we, as hairs to- 
gether of the grace of lyfe, may helpe and strengthen one 
ane other in the Lord, and so walke with that stayedness, 
tenderness, and watchful superintendance of spirit before 
him in all things, as in nothing our prayers may be hin- 
dered ; that, in a worde, our whole walke before him may 
dryve at communione with him, and our spirits may, as it 
wer, be constantlie dyeted for this, if he shall think fitt 
that we be again together. And O, what mereie will there 



1650. 



CAUSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



67 



be, and what obligatione putt upon us, if anay thing look- 
ing hereaway shall be made the fruitt of our separatione 
for a tyme. It seems he is making for this upon your 
parte. O that he wolde bring us up jointlie, who I am 
behinde all that he has putt once indeed to the way ; but 
they are far behinde whom he cannot make follow. I 
longe, I desyre to longe, to be brought on my way ; and 
by this, even this dispensatione, I dar not thinke but that 
somewhat of this is in his thoughts, known to himselfe to 
be thoughtes of good, althoughe I see but small appear- 
ance of it, and my hope of it be often much shaken, 
throughe prevailing, exceedinglie prevailing, securities 
and carelessness. I looke He who is the rocke, and whois 
worke is perfecte, will perfecte that which concernes me 
— for his mercie indures for ever — and will not forsake 
the worke of his owne handes with me. Let him be dealt 
with for makingout somewhat to us from this peece, whiche 
will unquestionablie passe without it, if he make it not out, 
Intertain, O intertain, what he letts out to you ! dispyce 
it not, suspecte it not, rather suspecte himselfe who does 
reallie mynd your good, and reallie mynde that which is 
in the dispensationes. He loves to be weill constructed of, 
in what he does to anay of his people. And dow not 
byde that he should be concealed, if as a beguyler or a 
drawer in snares, whiche are the false allegements of our 
misbelieving hearts verie often, when we looke upon what 
he hes favourablie doune or helped to, and findes not all 
thinges afterwards answerable to our desyre. Blesse him 
for what he hes done and helped you to ! roose him, com- 
mend him, speake good of his name ; imploy him and 
putt him to it, even from what he hes done, to doe out 
the rest of it. I am obliged muche to him that he lets 



68 



LETTER VI. 



1650. 



me not wishe me to disquyeting ; and, indeed, he can 
easilie fitt a creature's rounie standing in the most bouk- 
ing relatione. He is, indeed, God all-sufficient, and 
known to be so when made use of. I commend you, with 
these litle ones, given by him to us, to him who has cove- 
nanted himselfe to us as suche ; and rests, dear heart, 
your well-wisher. 

I desyre ye wolde date your letters. We are still in 
this place, and heares nothinge of our removall, nor want 
I anay thinge. 

For Mr Johne Carstaires his Wyfe, 
these. 



LETTER VI. 

The Same to the Same. 

[From Edinburgh Castle.] 

My Heart, — It's lyke, if I durst> I would not wreat, 
there is so muche, so exceeding muche, indispositione for 
anay dutie upon my spirit. I almost know not when I 
was in anay composed and setled dispositione or frame 
for dutie, not the whyle I was at home with you nor 
since. If it was knowen how it has beein, and how it is 
with me, it wolde be wondered at how I darre adventure 
to middle in anay dutie wherein he is concerned, and how 
his handes are keeped of me when I middle ; and much 
more, how I shoulde be anay way countenanced. My 
heart has growen (if ever it was otherwayes) strange- 



1650. 



CARSTA1RES TO HIS WIFE. 



69 



minded and uncouth to God. If the verie truthe of it 
were knowen to them that know him, it wolde hardlie, if 
at all, be beleeved to be consistent with ought of his 
grace It hes revolted and gone, oh ! hes returned away, 
not to return. Hes it backslidden with a perpetual back- 
slyding ? Will it, when smitten, re volte yet more and more ? 
Will it, when he is wroth, hydes himself, and smyles while 
he is wroth, goe on forwardlie in its own way ? No doubt 
it will, unlesse he, having seen my wayes, heal me. It's 
with me that might make longing to be gone, that might 
make wearie of lyfe, that might make desyres to be dis- 
solved ; but how often are such desyres rashe, heastie, 
impatient, and also unhonest ? Being not somuche after 
fellowship with him, much interrupted, and scarcelie at all 
winne at, whyle in the body, and with a body of death, as 
because a body of death irkes and fashes, with breaking of 
peace and indisposing to dutie, wherein often somethinge 
of self is concerned. In a worde, when there is anay de- 
syre to be away, because of corruption, if I may say there 
was ever any such with me, it's not so much because it 
marres fellowship with God, as because it fashes me ; yet 
he must pardon this great iniquitie, and grant my desyre 
in his tyme. Oh ! that I could wait, and with submission 
longe, all the dayes of my appoynted tyme, till my change 
come ! Oh ! that he would be changing me till that 
change come — that he would be preparing and making 
readie for that through and whole change, that he wolde 
makeoldethingespasse away, and make all thingis become 
new ! There will be a great change wrought in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, when this corruptible shall putt 
on incorruptione, and this mortall shall putt on immortal- 
itie. Can he not, who will so instantlie make so throughe 



70 



LETTER VI. 



1650. 



a change, make some change in some processe of tyme ? 
Can he not, who can make a fullie glorious change, by 
heholding his glory, as in a glass, change and transforme 
to the same image, from glorie to glorie, as by the Spirit 
of the Lord ? God be thanked that his people will die, 
and that it is not hundreds or thousands of yeares that 
they have to live with a bodie of death, that is so ill 
a guest, so troublesome and ... a neighbour. O 
but the shorting of the dayes of the pilgrimes, the mak- 
ing of the ill dayes to be few, evidences much of his com- 
passione and tender respecte to them. He has no will they 
shoulde be long wretched and miserable, because of a 
bodie of death ; that they shoulde be long under the sad 
necessity of sinning. If I were sure of reconciliatione and 
a begunne chainge, I think I wolde, at least I might and 
shoulde, rejoyse in the hope of dying, and after that of the 
glorie of God. My dear heart, I wolde fain beleive that 
we will be wei) belyve. It's not longe, too. He comes, be- 
ll old e, he comes quicklie ! He is upon his way. The first 
looke and sight of his fair face, who is the brightness of 
the Father's glorie, the verie and expresse image of his 
person, will eternallie banish away sin and miserie. Oh 
for the lyvelie expectatione of the grace that is to be re- 
vealed at the appearing of Jesus Chryst ; for the lyvelie 
hope of the day of the restitutione of all things -, of the 
tymes of refreshing from his presence. It's not far off. 
Let him help us to be sober, and to watch unto prayer, the 
end of all things being at hand. 

I am somewhat wearie of this place, and I shoulde not 
be so. It's lyke I wolde wearie of my life at home. It's 
within me that makes me so at home and abroad, alone 
and in companie. I cannot goe the length that some 



1650. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



71 



goe here. There are changes amongst us, if many be 
not mistaken. The Lord keep free from offence, without 
spott and blemishes, even to his coming. The surrender 
of this strongeholde is a sad businesse to poor Scotland, 
and ane apparent prognostication of our subduing. Does 
not also the way of our publicke judicatories prognosticate 
this ? Oh ! how terrible is it that the Lord should be 
roaring up and down the land, lyke a roaring lyon, smit- 
ing round about him, and that so deepe revolting and so 
great declyning should meet him ! Is this to accepte the 
punishment of our iniquitie ? Is this to turn to him that 
smytes us ? Is this to wait on him in the way of his 
judgements ? Is this preparing of ourselves to meet our 
God, who hes done this, not us ? or is it not rather, when 
we are smitten, to transgresse yet more and more ? Is 
it not rather to harden our neckes against his reproches, 
that we may be destroyed suddenly, and that without re- 
medie ? Is not this, after all that is come upon us for 
our ill deeds, and for our great trespasses, to turn again 
and breake his commandements, that he may be angrie 
with us, and consume us, till there be no remnant nor 
escaping ? Is it not to sett briers and thornes in his way, 
to sett them against him in battell, that he may goe 
through them, and burne them up together ? The good 
Lord give them to repent, and forgive and helpe them ! 
Alace ! for some engadgement and hand in this trespass. 
What shall we answer when we are reproved ? What 
shall we, or can we, say for these thinges ? The Lord hes 
put us to silence, and we are full of the furie of the Lord. 

Ye may goe to your own house, if yethinkegood ; and 
as soon as ye may, presse the conditione we spoke to be- 
fore I desyre to remember my deare 



72 



LETTER VII. 



1650. 



and kynde brother, Mr Patrick, who I know is almost 
oversett with one burden upon ane other, and hes but few 
to strengthen his handes. The Lord, I hope, will stand by 
him, strengthen him, and upholde him with the right hande 
of his righteousness. He hes had strange proofes of 
God's owning of him, and bearing him throughe in dutie. 
Prasent my fender respects to his pracious yoke-fellow and 
helper ; for so she is indeed. I desyre to remember Mr 
Zacharie, with your fellow-feeling sister, and sweet Mr 
Heughe, with his helper. I have as yet made no appli- 
catione to these men for libertie, but purpose to do it 
shortlie. Mr Heughe Mackail ai.d Mr Thomas Carvin 
stayes in this toune. The rest are going to the commis- 
sion. Now the Lord be with you, and blesse ! I am, my 
heart, yours, J. C. 

Edinburgh, December 24, 1650. 

I receaved both yours. I looke Mr Patricke will meet 
with our session sometymes. 



LETTER VII. 

The Same to the Same. 

[From Edinburgh Castle.] 

My Heart, — I heard, after some longing, that the 
Lord had safelie brought you to bed of a daughter,* 
whiche, amongst many other favours, should have its oune 
influence upon me for ingaging more to duty ; but O, 

i * Probably Jean, afterwards Mrs Principal3BB& the Editor's great-great-grand- 

in tin i fin Mini 



1650. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



73 



how sueir drawen is my heart with all these cords of a 
man and bands of love ! Surely he comes by me on the 
right hand, and passes on upon the left, but I perceave 
him not. Whoso is wyse, and wolde observe these thinges, 
should understand the loving-kyndness of the Lord. I 
hope he is teaching you this wisdome to observe what he 
is doing about you, and accordingly to read and under- 
stand his loving-kyndness. If so, it wolde comfort me over 
my own dulness. We are still here at Edinburgh, (I know 
now nol how it comes,) in hazard to forget that we are 
prisoners, through the abundant ease of our aceommoda- 
tione. Oh ! that loving-kyndness should be thus abused, 
and that my heart should take advantage thus of his 
goodness ! I sometymes fear a snare in this soft outward 
conditione, as also in the taking of this restraint, and 
giving us libertie, seeing so litle profiting ; but this seems 
to be unkynde requytall of his so tender handling. He 
can bless both, and keepe the fear of both from coming 
upon me. Manay such thinges are with him, and some 
such I thinke I have found, which mighte rid of suspi- 
cione of his parte at least Now, my heart, I can yet, 
in some measure, put you, with these litle ones, upon Him 
who careth for you. Oh ! that he wolde oune them, and 
sett his marke on them, and wolde come under the rela- 
tione of a Father to them, whether I should be with them 
or from them. If it be a favour, ye have had it, whiche 
manay want at this tyme, to bring forth to a livinghusband 
— O if living indeed ! I hope it should not trouble you 
muche thoughe these partes should also be disquyeted, 
but wolde ly still till God gave streingth to doe otherways. 
It may be he will not putt you to the tryall ; if he should, 
I expecte that much goode at his hand, that he wolde 



74 



LETTER VIII. 



1650. 



keepe you quyet and in peace. His good will be with 
you and yours, and myne and all his. 

For Mr Johne Car stair es his Wife, 
these. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — *' Mr Jo. Carstaires, in prison, to his Wife, de- 
livered in childbed."] 

LETTER VIII. 

The Same to the Same. 

[From Edinburgh Castle.] 

My Heart, — It may be your expectatione of an in- 
largement, from what was spoken to that purpose by one 
latelie in these partes, supposed to be a great courteour, 
somewhat disquyet you, when ye find it disappoynted, 
and occasion some other thoughtes about their purpose 
of disposing upon us than ye formerlie had before that 
expectatione. It's like that, amongst other thinges, some 
peece of tryall and exercise hes been meant by it to you, 
which, in its oune place, may contribute to make out his 
purposed good to you, from this whole dispensatione. I 
see no great appearance that we shall have libertie while 
God give inlargement to the land. It setts us weil to wait 
till then ; and I thinke before then personal libertie coulde 
be but verie litle comfortable as suche. In my last, I 
thinke there was somewhat mentioned of my fear to be 
sett at libertie, having found so litle bettering by what is 
past. It seems He has kept my fear from coming upon 
me, which I wolde fain looke on as a promising evidence 
of his purpose to do me some good by it ; and if so, what 
can I loss by the continuance of the restraint, or by mak- 
ing the restraint greater ? But what shall I say ? I may 



1650. 



CARSTAIltES 10 II IS WIFE. 



75 



stay year after year, and day, in such a conditione, yea, 
one much harder, and yet not profite by it, if 1 be not 
taught by Him who teaches his people to profite. I am 
more and more convinced that it is not, in anay dispensa- 
tione severed from him, to give out a lessoune, but that 
it is indeed parte of his prerogative royall, incommunica- 
ble to anay thinge else ; if it were otherways, O what a 
proficient might I have bein, so longe scooled under so 
manay and various dispensationes! What mean or dis- 
pensatione has he ever ordinarilie made use of to teach 
anay to profite whiche hes not bein essayed upon me ; and 
yet how inefTectuall have most, if not all, of these proven, 
for my instructione. If He, whois wayes and thoughtes 
are as far above the creatures' wayes and thoughtes as the 
heavens are above the earth, knowes not, and does not 
make use of some rare and singular way for doing me 
good, I professe I know it not. If it werr given to me in 
my chois what way I wolde have taken, and what mean 
I wolde have made use, I but neids be silent, all ordina- 
te, and some more than ordinarie, wayes being alreadie 
tryed with me. I desyre to be quyet in this, that he knowes 
his thoughtes concerning his people, and I wolde fain be- 
leeve unworthie me, to be thoughtes of good, and not of 
ill ; to give an expected end of whatsoever doeth disquyet 
or make afrayed. I hope he keeps you from wearieing in 
reference to the delay of our libertie, and turns the exer- 
cise of your spirit ane other way, as how inlargement shall 
come to the people of God. How, in the meantyme, they 
shall reap the fruit of their streak and bondage, in purging 
away sin ; and how yourself may profit in the studdie of 
that nobie, thoughe misterious and much unknown airt, of 
upmaking in God whatever is missed in the creature, in 
whom whatsoever is pleasant or desyrable in the creature, 



76 



LETTER VIII. 



1650. 



is, in ane infinitelie more excellent and eminentlie trans- 
cendent way, to be found. O ! but these werr brave and 
profitable diversions of the Spirit from anxious, perplex- 
ing, and disquyeting thoughte about particulars. Is he not 
learning you that lessoune that I thinke I wolde fain learne, 
to sink all these thinges in thoughtes of him oune selfe, the 
meditatione of whom has bein sweet to his people, and 
hes taken them up even to forgetting in a manner of dif- 
ficulties, when under them, and compassed about with them. 
The Lord hes dealt well with you at this tyme, in choos- 
ing for you your fellowship, which is indeed precious, and 
indeed has bein, in some measure, so to me. O ! that the 
Lord wolde lead them, with the rest of that people, (whom 
I am bounde to wishe well,) to thoughtes of some quyet 
man who might serve him in that ministrie ! They wolde, 
by this, shew muche compassion to me and to my poor 
flocke, whom I expecte the Presbyterie will not forget. 
Mr Heughe Binnie* will not refuse sometymes, as they have 
need, to keepe session with them. Keepe your daughter 
on your breast or not, as ye thinke your healthe will suf- 
fer, and doe not beyond strength toyl yourselfe. If ye 
shoulde hear anay thing of our removall hence, let it not 
trouble you ; for our persones will be in no hazard, goe 
where we will. We have as yet libertie to goe up and 
doune the toune, none waiting on us. Let me know how 
ye are, and these litle ones, with the first occasion ; and I 
am, dear heart, yours. 

Edinburgh. 

I desyre you to salute from me that kynd familie where 
ye are : Let the Lord dwell in it, and build them up ! For- 

^ ki^uMiiuMMj tfecbcSggii BfanBBg fariieBB Boat; ttat^totfaagiBnHEdpp^ 



l&U Artist- 1^tc^ ^ tyf^ 



165]. 



CARST AIRES TO JAMES DURHAM. 



77 



get not William Kid, who, it may be, needs your looking 
to him. 

The Lord has yet suspended that whereof I did, by the 
last, give you ane inkling ; and who knowes but even, 
amongst other things, with some eye to you. He often, 
in verie publicke dispensationes, hes his oune designes 
about particular persones, even so as it wolde seam he 
had no other thinge to doe with them but what is in refer- 
ence to them. There are manay such thinges with him ; 
loe, these are partes of his waves. But O, how small a 
nortion of him is knowen ! He will be better knowen ; 
nay, he must be better knowen. 

For 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " Mr Jo. Carstaires, in prison, to his Wife." 
The day of the month is almost wholly torn away, and it has no address but " For."] 

LETTER IX. 

Mr John Car stair es to Mr Durham. 

Reverend and Dear Brother, — This day the com- 
mon session of Glasgow frequentlie meet, and remember- 
ing that they had latelie appointed some of their number, 
in their name, most earnestlie to request you that since 
ye was (at least for a tyme) liberat from your attendance 
upon the King, and brought by a verie unexpected pro- 
vidence to this place, where, as they conceaved, the tye 
betwixt you and them was not wholly and altogether dis- 
solved, at least strongly linked and bound affections were 
not loused— ye wolde be pleased, till the Lord in his provi- 
dence should find a way for your more full and clear set- 
tling here or elsewhere, to let them and the Lord's people 



78 



LETTER IX. 



1651 



in this place enjoy the benefite and comforte of your mi- 
nistrie and fellowship, which was sometyme so refreshing 
and comfortable unto them ; and hearing that, through the 
Englishes coming to their partes, ye did take some sudden 
resolutione to goe to Inveraray, so that they were disap- 
pointed in what they did then sounanimouslie and earnestlie 
desyre of you, they did again, being somewhat impatient 
to want the benefit of your ministrie and fellowship at such 
atyme, resolve to renew their former requeist to you, that ye 
wolde let them see you as soon as possiblie and convenient- 
lie ye can [for] the endes foresaid; andcommaunded me, as 
their moderator, in their name, to write so much unto you. 
Ye wolde, Sir, seriouslie thinke what of God may be in 
this so frequent and serious calling, and pressing of your 
abode in this place, where he did first settle you, and gave 
more than ordinarie confirmations of his calling of you to 
the ministrie, and of his calling you to it particularlie 
amongst this people. Do not (as you will not) looke 
lightlie upon it, and let your apprehensions of this or that, 
which may and may not be amongst us hire, where ye anc 
we both may come to know more of God's mynde concern- 
ing you. It is expected that ye will not declyne or delay 
to make a visit to us, when it may, in so many respects, 
be usefull and refreshing ; and the Lord command you so 
— not further. I am, Sir, your loving brother, 

Mr Carstaires, 

Moderator of the Commoun 
Session of Glasgow. 

Glasgow, August 28, 1651. 

For the R* Reverend Mr James Durham, 
Minister of the Gospell, 
these. 



l66l-(')2. UNCLE OF CARSTAIRES TO HIM. 



79 



LETTER X. 

Uncle of Mr Car stair es to him. 

My Dearest Nephew, 

a the tenth of September which 

ble to us all, to hear of your 

. . . . . . . particulars ye have been pleased 

me. I shall endeavour to do w* 

them, and give you an account 

fter, when occasion offers. I wish ye 

a lynis order your brother's hand 

g that ye causit me give him both 

that may be doone, as the case is, and 

I when I meit with our dear friend Judg 

. . can tack his advyce in it. I am sorie, Sir, that 
ye get so evill payment' of your anualrents, and I admir 
that this .... that waise thought to be so good a 
man, should tack so little cair to pay your anualrents, 
which would be bot a small thing to him, as I tauld him 
leatly ; and speciallie to you, to whom his father, of 
worthie memorie, had so great a respect, and not ondo- 
servit. Much mor nor this I spoke to him ; but got a 
verie cairles answer, which I would not have expectet. 
Always, Sir, in intend, with our noble friend Judge Car's b 
advyce, to use all legall diligence against the cautioners, 
since the principal slights us. I causit give Lochnell, when 

a This part of the letter moth-eaten. 

b Ot" this Judge Ker there is a very curious anecdote told in Wodrow's Ana- 
lecta, vol. i. page Wo. 



80 



LETTER X. 



1661-62. 



he was heer in Edinburghe, ane schairg of horning, and 
causit apprehend with captione ; hot he had a protectione 
in his pockit, which mead it ineffectuall. I am glad to hear 
that he is in a good conditione and able to pay, iff he be 
put att, which I intend to doe, as I have said, with Judg 
Car's advyse, and any friend that ye intrust you bussines 
too, let them cum to me when the Session sits downe, and 
I shall cause use all legall diligence, sik as comprysing 

his lands, and a , . 

any uther thing that . . . . . . . . . . . 

our farther securetie, and to 

sum of your freinds in the west 

who would be fitest, be employed .... business, 
and put it to execussione, whom .... to pitche 
upon, and lett us joyne togither .... meanes 

to gett payment of our moneys the 

schairges. Dear nephew, I have which 

I am haupfull ye will not deny, . . . . . your sone 
William to St Andrews to the college .... may 
have a great deall better occasione to follow his studies 
nor in Edinburgh, whair thair is so many occasions to di- 
vertisements, and will doe me and my best half a singular 
pleasure, and shall be usit as our own sone. It will be 
no trouble at all to hus, haueing our awin twa ladis att 
colledg thear, and a discreed servaund in our awin house 
to wait upon them. So, Sir, Ihaup ye will not disoblidge us 
so far as not to grant our desyr. Me thaught to have had 
your daughter hear, bot because we have small incurad- 
ment or contentment our selves to live in St Androis for 
the present, so that she would not get so good breiding 



a This part of the letter is moth-eaten. 



1651). 



UNCLE OF CARSTAIRES TO HIM. 



81 



with us in the cuntrie as wald wishe or thaught her 
worthie off ; therefore, Sir, let us hauve your sone without 
all excuse, whom my wyff and I will often have occasione 
to see, altho' our familie do not reseid thear. I shall ad 
no farther for present, but that I am, dearest nephew, 
your most affectionat unkle and reall weillwisher. a 

My wyff desires to present hir best blessing to you and 
all yours. 

( Then follows, in his Wife's hand-writing : — ) 

Dear Sir, — Thes are ernestlay to entreat you to obey 
your unkle's desayr, in sending your sone to us, as ye 
wold do me ane singular faver. I have mait with manay 
sad trayels sene I parted with you, which I desayr not to 
comeit to paper. I sawe your sone at Edin r . He pro- 
mised to get live from his mother to be wuthous this va- 
kances. Dear Sir, I cannot tel how it will veight me if ye 
shal denay us this. Agean, I beg it of you. 

For the much honoured, 
and my dear ffriend, 
Mistris Car stair es. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " To Mr Jo. Carstares, from his Uncle." 
It has the Carstaires seal, without supporters.] 

a There can be no reasonable doubt that the writer of this letter was Thomas 
Carstares of Borehills, brother of Sir John Carstares, and maternal uncle of Mr 
John. He had two sons about the same age with William Carstares, whose names 
were matriculated about this time in St Andrews University. 



82 



LETTER XI. 



1661. 



LETTER XI. 

M*- Ward to Car stair es. 

Feb. 13. 

My Very Dear Brother, — Since my last to you, Mr 
Gilespie was called into the Parliament, (which was upon 
Monday,) He desired, since they had not given him a re- 
ply as he expected, haveing, at the advice of his advocats, 
left severall things out of his defences, which wold be mor 
pertinent for a duply, . . that he might have his defences 
to revise, and libertie to give in some additionall defences ; 
which he obtained, and was appointed to be in readinesse 
upon Fryday nixt. Goven was called in that same day 
to see if he had any more to say, and haveing spok a 
litell, was dismissed yesterday. His defences against in- 
sisting upon the old forfeiture wer read and respected, as 
irrelevent ; so it past, with verie few contrarie votes, that 
the former forfeture of life and estate should stand. 
They have not yet intimat the sentence to him, because 
the day and manner of his death must first be determined ; 
but he is removed this day, thoe not to close prison, yet 
to roume by himself. They called Mr Johne Dickson 
and me to the Articles this forenoon ; and after they had 
spoken a littel with Mr Johne Dickson, to whom they did 
assigne no day for his compearance before the Parlia- 
ment — (it is supposed they may fall aff for that pursuit) — 
they called me, and inquyred if I had any more to say 
than what I had said in my defences. I told them I ex- 
pected to reply, and had reason to doe so, since there 



1661. ANONYMOUS TO M'WARD. 83 

was somewhat singular in my case ; but I wold not insist 
or presse my Lord Advocat to be at the pains, only I de- 
syred libertie to give in some additional defences. Pray 
for leading to me, for I intend to give in shortlie some of 
these which ye saw. It's reported that they have got 
some new command from the court, which makes them 
drive the harder. My Lord Cassles hath writen downe 
that Mr Cranstone is one of the twelve whom the King 
heth excepted from pardon. The Synod did nothing 
yesterday, the meeting was so unfrequent. 

Remember me dearly to your wife and sister, to whom 
the bearer can show you that I have not tyme to writ. 
His grace be with you. Yours, yours. 

[Without date or signature.] 

This for his Reverend and deare Brother, 
Mr Johne Carstaires, 
Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. 

[Must have been written in March 1661. — See Wodrow.] 



LETTER XII. 

Anonymous to M' Ward. 

My Dear Brother, — It did greive me that I saw you 
not befor ye went from this. I came something less than 
an hour after ye wer gon, having come away that morn- 
ing at five o'clock, and the way being so bad, I could 



84 LETTER XIII. 1661. 

make no better speed, nether could I win away the night 
befor. If I had known that ye wold have stayed so long 
in Cader as I heard ye did, or that ye wold have been in 
Kilsyth all night, I wold have followed you ; bot I was 
assured ye resolved Falkirk. I will indeed think long for 
ane opportunitie to see you. Yor case hath lyin sad upon 
ray heart, and thogh my sympathy canot be stedable to 
you, yet I judge it my dutie seriouslie to sympathise with 
you (if I could) befor the throne of grace. Dear brother, 
ye bear not your affliction yor alone, you have manie of 
his people upon earth, bot on in heaven, (who is worth 
them all, and whose sympathie can onlie give you eas 
under yor burthen,) to share with you yor cross. The 
Lord give you counsell and strength. I pray, dear brother, 
lett me. have two lines from you, informing me how you 
are. The Lord be neer you in yor difficulties. You have 
my wife's best wishes, and his who is yor affectionat 
brother. 

[Without signature.] 

February 20, 1661. 

* • 

For his Rev. and dear Brother, 
Mr Robert M< Ward, 

Minister at Glasgow. 



LETTER XIII. 

Rev. Mr Peacock to Mr M' Ward. 

Dear Brother, — The trouble ye have mett with haith 
been affecteing to yor relations and to yor friends heer, 
who desyre to sympathize with you, as if our soules wer 



1661. 



PEACOCK TO M<WARD. 



85 



in yor soule's steed. Yee ought not to think it strange 
that the Lord hath carved that out to be yor present lott, 
quhilk is the pathway for all the . . tyme to come, to 
thee Father's kingdom, a sight beyond tyme, to that roume 
quhilk haith so many fair jewels in it; that recompence of 
reward will allay the shairpness of any cup wee are made 
to drink of heeraway, and may banish all fainteing, quhilk, 
oh ! is lyke to be the disease of too many. I know not 
what may be the holy Lord's thoughts concerning his own 
work, and the issue of all these things ; but it becomes us 
to waitt upon him who hydes his face from the house of 
Jacob, and to look for him ; for if we remaine stedfast he 
is faithfull that hath promised. Your condition is not for- 
gotten by yor friends who have any moyen in heaven. 
Yor relatives are in health. Thev shall not want what I 
can contribute for them one way or another. I stayed 
ther comeing or sendeing to you, and yee doe weell to 
lett us heer from you, as occasion offers, how yor business 
goes, for wee are at a losse by misreports. Yor rela- 
tions and myne, and yor Christian frends, have them 
kyndlie remembratt to you. I shall say no more ; but the 
God of all good, who hath called you, &c, 1 Pet. v. 10, 
make you perfect, and keep you blameless in soul and 
body, 1 Thess. v. 22, 23. I am, yor loveing brother, 

A. ?EAC0K. a 

March 13, 1661. 

For my Reverend and dear Brother, 

Mr Robt M l Ward, 
Minister of the Gospel! at Glasgow, 
this. 

a My Peacock was minister of Kirkmabreck in Wigtonshire, and survived the 
Revolution, according to Dr Steven. 



86 



LETTER XIV. 



1661. 



LETTER XIV. 

to Govan or Carstaires. 

Martii 18, 1661. 

My Deare Brother,— Christ hath honored you with 
bands for his truth ; he will honour you the next tyme with 
the liberty of the sons of God. I assure you it is noe 
more certaine that the sune is lyt, or that fire is hot, then 
it is certaine that there is a crown and glorious mansione 
wayting for Christ's prisoner. Crosses heere ar cast away 
at a lower rate (at best) than thirty peeces, but they give 
price in heaven ; and there is none how soone he enters 
under the impressione of another lyf — and draws neere the 
distinct and apprehensiones of God the Judge of all — but 
he would wish to haue his flesh full of wounds, and his 
lyf in this world a continual torture for the truth and testi- 
money of Jesus, that he might have ground to crave his 
arreires, and a bloody cloath to produce as ane evidence 
of his loyalty for the cause of God. 

It is observable, that among all those who shall plead 
at the last day, there is not one who shall say wee have 
suffered for thy name . . , and yet ar rejected. 

My deare brother, the churche suffers, and witnesses 
ar her armies in the fields, and her vessel at sea, wherein 
is ventured all her stock. They are her champions who 
goe out to encounter with those who defy the armies of 
the living God. Take courage, thoughe it come to blood ; 
the quarrell is the Lord's. He has overcome the world ; 



1662. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



87 



yor sin is pardoned ; and you are greatly beloved, and 
chosen to cary his name before this generatione. Your 
God takes your parte, and your Master stands for you be- 
fore his Father. To him be glory for evermore. Amen. 
Yor own brother in the Gospell, though most unworthie, 

. * . • 

To his deare Brother in the Gospell, 
and much honored prisoner of Jesus Christ, 
at Edinburgh, 
these. 

[This letter (the signature of which the Editor cannot decipher, if it be in truth 
a signature, and not merely u &c. &c," as the occurrence of the same characters, 
in' the middle of the letter, would almost lead one to suppose) must have been 
written to either Mr M'Ward or John Govan, as both of these, we learn from 
Wodrow and from Letter XII., had appeared before Parliament, and been tried, 
in March 166 1.] 



LETTER XV. 

Car stair es to his Wife. 

My Dear Heart, — Thoughe I have no new thinge 
to acquainte you with, yet I am loath to omitt anay oc- 
casion of saluting you. Whatever the Lord doe further 
with me, he hath pitied me in keeping me out of Glas- 
gow in this sad, sinfull, and snaring tyme. Who knowes 
but he may bring more good out of it ? ****** As 
for John Pinkerton, you may speak to John Grahame 
how all the things the servant got may be payed. He 
and I was speaking to doe it with some money in Andrew 
Gibson his hand. I know ye will take the best course 



88 LETTER XV. 1662. 

ye can to get your money togither from the Barony. I 
wolde wisse, if the Lord so think fitt, that evrie sixpence 
we owe wer payed at this tearme. Wreat to Brumen for 
that eightscore pounds. Send me my hatt, if you can gett 
a leather case to borrow to send it in. I shall have a care 
to sende it back again ; put the stringe within it ; send it 
not but in such a case. Send me also that two hundred 
merks from Mr Ralphe for Mistresse Guthrie ; I have 
already borrowed a hundred merks of it for her. Cause 
cast the west dyke in the yeard with the lyme ye have by 
you ; after it is trimed, if there be any over, cast the out- 
side of the upmost dyke, too, being also trimed. I salute 
my sister kindly, and Mistresse Welshe. Desyre hir to putt 
the young man, Cout Ormesly, from me, in mynd what 
he spake to me when he was sick, that he's never forget 
it. I salute him much in the Lord. Grace be with you. 
I am, your own, 

M. J. C. 

App. 25, 1662. 

I wret to Mr Alexander 1 yesterday by Paseley post. 

For Mr Johne Car stair es his Wyfe, 
these, 

* Mr Alexander Dunlop, minister of Paisley, his wife's brother-in-law. 



1662. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



LETTER XVI. 

Car stair es to his Wife. 

Dalkeith, July last, 1662. 

My Dear Heart, — I have not of a long time been in 
better health, and never, that I remember of, more quyet 
in my mynd as to all things in the world. Well, even 
verie well, satisfied with my present condition, I desyre to 
envy the lot of none, nor to covet it. In some respects, 
as to externalls, I am full, I have all, I abound ; but, alase ! 
for my heart, it remains, woe is me ! it remains, much un- 
changed under all these changes of dispensations. Om- 
nipotent grace can worke this most desyrable change 
when it lists. O for grace to wait on the God of all 
grace all the days of my appointed tyme, till this gracious 
change come. Have a care of your health, and come 
when ye think fitt. You may assure yourself when ye find 
it convenient you will be dearlie welcome to me. When 
ye visit the two young ones, remember me to the good- 
wyfe. Charge Will, from me, to make earnest of seek- 
ing God, and to be diligent at his books. [Here a line 
is scored out.] Remember me dearlie to your sister, my 
affectionate and sure agent, and to Mr Alexander, my 
deare brother, whose familie I have disquyeted to quyet 
my own mynd. Remember me to his wyfe, and to Quar- 
relton and his. I am drowned in debt amongst them. 
The Lord remember all their kindnesses. I salute my 
deare collegue and his wyfe, and all our other friends. 
Grace be with you. I am desyrous to know what Mr 
Donald heth resolved, and what Mr Gabriel did in that 



90 



LETTER XVI. 



1662. 



matter at Edinburgh. Let me hear by the first. I am, 
my dear, your own, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

If you think fitt goe visit the Provost, and thank him 
in my name for his kindnesse ; I say if you think fitt. 
Call for James Dunlop, and bid him look out two vo- ; 
lumes of Stetingius his Commoun-places, which himself 
bound. They stand in the end of the third shelf nearest the 
studdie, and Stetingius' Elecution, and Wardilaw his Ma- 
jus Systeme, which two he bound last; as also, my Thoma- 
son's Dictionar, which be bound, which lyeth on the case 
or in the chair, with Mr Dicsisone on the Epistles, lying 
on the table. Let him bind them all well up, that they 
be not hurt, and send them with the next occasion to 
Agnes Rutherford. Let none know of it, for I desyre to 
make no noyce of books for the little I read. Give the 
carrier strait injunctions to have a speciall care of them. 
Send the . . . and the title on, called the 44 Ark," 
if they be yet besyd you, that we may recreat now and 
then. Ye will, I hope, send that money to Mr Patrick. 

I salute the German kindly. Send me my seal a if it 
be ready ; for I have no thing to seal with. 

For Mr Johne Carstaires his Wyfe, 
these. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay— " Dalkeith, July 31, 1662. Mr Jo. Car- 
staires to his Wife, Excellent." 

* The seal of Mr John Carstaires was the same with that of the Carstaires oi 
Kilconquhar, to whom, it is probable, his father was related before marriage. His 
arms were a chevron between three sun-flowers ; his crest the sun ; his motto " Te 
splendente and he had his initials carved one on either side the crest. It would 
appear that his wife forwarded his seal as requested, for his next letter is impressed 
with it. 



1662. CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 91 



LETTER XVII. 

The Same to the Same. 

Hallcraig, November 25, 1662.* 

My Dearest Heart, — I have taken the occasion of 
this bearer kindly to salute you, and to let you know that 
I am verie well in my health. The Lord hath bein verie 
gracious and condeschending to us in manay thinges since 
we met together, and in a special manner, since he began 
to putt us to anay litle piece of soft and gentle tryall, 
and hath forborne publicklie to plead his controversie. 
Thoughe he had verie manay advantages of us, he caried 
as if all our iniquities had bein forgotten and out of mynd, 
whiche should make us never forget, but keepe them al- 
wayes in mynd ; and, with sweet submission to his blessed 
will, to undergoe anay further piece of tryall he shall 
thinke good to measure out to us. I often promised it 
to the Lord, but, alace ! have fallen exceedinglie short in 
performance : the good Lord forgive ! I hope, my dear, 
you can bear, throughe the grace that hath often strength- 
ened you in difficulties that have occurred about me since 
we came together, to hear, without vexation of mind, that 
I have this day got a charge to compear before the coun- 
sell this same daye fourteen dayes, a double whereof I 
have sent you. It may be he will pity me, and help me. 
The cause is good, and nothing at all disgracefull. O to 

a The property of Hamilton of Halcraig at that time, who was married to a sis- 
ter of Mrs John Carstaires. 



92 



LETTER XVII. 



1662. 



have a suitable frame everie way ! — pray for it, and for 
sinless and inoffensive throughe-bearing. Tell your sister, 
and John Grahame and his wyfe, of it, that they may re- 
member me. Now, my heart, let me beseeche you to take 
courage in the Lord, who hath given you a roum in his 
heart, and will in due time give you a roum amongst them 
that stand by. Resolve to indure hardness as a good sol- 
dier of Jesus Chryst. We may see this storm blow over, if 
keeped faithfull, and meet with higher and holier thinges. 
I apprehend no hazard to myself at this bout, unless it be 
some bitt of further restraint of libertie in sending to 
some more remote place of the countrie, or some such 
thing ; and it may be not that ; but I think I see trouble, 
if not hot persecution, to his people, that will keep their 
garments clean, stronglie and vigorouslie working in its 
near and immediate causes. The gracious Lord can, 
when all is done, prevent it, and who knows but he 
will ? But he is sounding the trumpet, and it's meet 
we should make for the war. His trysting of this 
with some other litle thinges, at this tyme, to you 
will make the difficultie the greater ; but he is of power 
to establish you. I desyre to bless you, that ever he 
wis pleased to cast our lot to be togither, and that he 
found you out a helpe meet for me : you wis never a tert- 
tation to me, nor an obstruction of me, either in my mi- 
nisterial or Christian course, though you have bein litle 
furthered, but much obstructed, by me; but he can make 
up, out of the riches of his grace, to you what you gave, 
bein now these fifteen years at a loss in by me. I am 
glad, for your sake, that the citation did not find me there. 
He is verie good. It may be, my dear heart, that you 
will be brought to bed before I see you : let me, as you 



1662. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



93 



love me and my children, obtest you to have a speciall 
care of your health, that you may be stronge to follow me 
whither he will call. If you be desirous to see me before 
I goe east, let me know, and I will (if the Lord will) ad- 
venture on it ; thoughe, after the citation is known, it 
may be more difficult. Yet if you desire it, I will essay it. 
I cannot imagine why Mr James Naismith is cited, unless 
it be for not leaving Hamilton. Send in my black satin 
cap ; they are both, I think, in the press, with that pair 
of stockings whereof Elspeth hath one. Cause John 
Pinkerton make these shoes black, or brown, if he can, and 
send them in also. I think I will get money from my 
unkle there. I wolde ryde in about the midle of the next 
week. If Quarelton his horse be throughlie well, borrow 
him and Watie to me, or my kind and steadable brother, 
Mr Alexander his horse. I will have time to wreat to you 
and hear from you ere that time. Let me know how the 
children are, and the goodwyfe of the milhouse. Be of 
good chear : it may be the Lord will count this, thoughe 
in a poor sinfuli wretch, suffering for Chryst. O to know 
the fellowship of his sufferings ! Grace, grace be with you. 
I am, my dear, upon condition ye will have a care of your- 
self, your own Mr J. C. 

Send me a shirt. Send me some linnings to Edinburgh. 
You may see, if you think fit, what the town will doe 
about that stipend. 

For Mrs John Carstaires his Wife, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 



94 



LETTER XVII.* 



1662. 



LETTER XVIL* 
The Same to the Same. 

October 27. 

My Dearest Heart, — I can onlie let you know by this 
lyne that I dearly remember you. There are here dis- 
tractions of minds, with hopes and fears, but the ferars doe 
verie much predomine, and they seem to be most rationall 
and best grounded. There are appearances of a storme, 
though, alace ! many of us be gone down to the sides of 
the ship, and be there fast asleep, to whom it's cried aloud, 
Awake, ye sleepers, and call upon your God. I hear 
there hath bein great offence among the grandees at 
Sharp's last Sabbath sermon, wherein they say he re- 
stricted the magistrate's power as to the putting out and 
in of ministers, without the church. If it be true, as I ne- 
ver expected so much stoutnesse from so base a slave of 
men, so it sadlie reprooves others whom it wolde have 
much better become ; but He can make a pagan Abime- 
lech or Pharoah rebuke a godlie Abraham or Isaak. They 
say he was most bitter and bloodie in his discourse after- 
wards. They do not so well agree all together ; I sup- 
pose the Lord can cause a fire come out of the house of 
Abimelech, and destroy the men of Shechem and the 
house of Millo ; and fire to come out from the men of 
Shechem and the house of Millo, and destroye, devour, 
Abimelech. for grace to wait on him that hides his 
face from the house of Jacob, and to look for him ! 



1662. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE . 



95 



I long to hear how your sister and niece are, and how 
jyourselfe is. Be carefull, my dear, for nothing; but in 
everie thinge make your requests known to God by prayer 
and supplication, with thanksgiving, that the peace of God 
which passeth understanding, may guard your heart and 
minde through Jesus Christ. The Laird sustains great 
losse : the Lord instruct him, and let him know his minde 
by it and other thinges. Grace be with you. I am, my 
dear, your own J. M. 

I have a line, dated September 20, from William, within 
these two dayes ; wherein, as he gives me an account of 
his studies, so he tells me that he is as well in his health as 
at any time since he went thither. I hear also the Lady a 
Carstaires sayes he is in health, but ill like. I find he is 
not idle : the Lord command the blessing ! My dear, I 
am not well pleased that you should have given any order 
to sell your ... I will not suffer it till 1 know of 
a better for you ; and therefore have sent it along in your 
coffer, which John Dunsmure is to receave this night to 
carrie west. I sent your stuffe last week by a tennent of 
the Laird's. We have twenty pounds sterling from 
Wishaw. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Carstaires, 
at Woodsyde, 
these. 



a Lady Carstaires, wife of Sir John Carstaires of Kilconquhar. To her and her 
husband is dedicated one of the finest of the monuments in the churchyard of St 
Andrews. 



96 



LETTER XVIII. 



1662. 



LETTER XVIII. 

The Same to the Same. I 

My Dearest Heart,— -I have no new thinge to ac- 
quaint you with ; yet, having the occasion of a bearer, I 
wolde not omitt to salute you, and let you know that I am 
in health, and that I long for a lyne from your own hand. 
I am glad, for your sake, that my sentence is delayed. 
What they resolve about me I know not ; but if His 
thoughts be thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give an 
expected end, it matters not muche what be their thoughts. 
Let me beseech you, even for this cause, to have a care 
of your health, and to take your meat seasonablie. We 
know not what difficulties we have to goe throughe ; and I 
should not wish that you had anay hand willinglie in the 
unfitting even of your bodie for them. Let the thought 
of my litle ones persuade you to this, whose oversight 
requyreth some health and strength. I hope he doeth, 
and will doe, as he hath done well with your spirit. I sa- 
lute your kind sister and all our other friends, and am, my 
dear, your own Mr J. C. 

Edinburgh. 

Send me the least of your cakes of gingbread, that I 
may give it to Mr Livingstone, for the sea : he has bein 
seeking some, and I hear could get none good. 

For Mr John Carstaires his Wife, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 



1662. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



97 



LETTER XIX. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dearest Heart, — The Lord thinkes good to 
order wyselie disappoyntments in some thinges, that we 
may be necessitated the more immediatlie to depend on 
himselfe. Who knowes but He may condescend to make 
your labour more than ordinarlie easie, since he heth re- 
mooved the assistance of the wonted tender hand of a dex- 
terous midwyfe, and may make you wearie less than ever 
when you had me by you ! He can doe all that, and 
more too, who is wonderful in counsell and excellent in 
working. It may be he heth also ordered this unexpected 
delay of my sentence, that you may recover strength be- 
fore I goe. Encourage yourself in Him, my dear, in 
whom, and in no creature, person, nor thinge, your happi- 
ness lyeth. Send this to William Anderson. I have 
wreate a lyne to the Provost in that matter. The Lord 
be round about you from henceforth and for ever. I am, 
my dearest heart, your own, 

Mr J. C. 

Edinburgh, December 25, 1662. 

For Mr Johne Car stair es his Wyfe, 
these. 



6 



1)8 



LETTER XX. 



1663. 



LETTER XX. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dearest Heart, — The apprehenson of our 
brother, Mr Alex 1 *., his going west yesterday, occasioned 
my not wreating to you. The Lord brought me safe hither. 
I was helped in some measure graciouslie to lay my ac- 
count with receiving a sentence of banishement on Tues- 
day last, and of imprisonment till the time should expyre. 
But He thought good to order a passing of me by in si- 
lence altogither that day, verie unexpectedlie, when, as un- 
expectedlie, my dear brother was sentenced. I know not 
what shall be the issue of my part of this tryall, if He helpe 
to carie sutablie, and without offence, I am satisfied, and 
some way indifferent. I speak with none, I middle with 
none ; and so am, in that respect, verie quyet. I purpose 
to wait the next Tusday, when, it may be, I will learne 
more of their mynde. I thought the last day's delay was 
well guyded as to you, that you might bear the sentence 
the belter, after you had gathered a litle more strength. 
It may be he will pitie us, and pardone our sin, and helpe 
us fairlie off. I have sent you a hundred pound of what 
I got from my unkle. Have a speciali care of your health, 
for the sake, in part, of, my dear, your own, 

Mr J. C. 

Edinburgh, January 8. 

For Mr Johne Car stair es his Wyfe, 
these. 



1663. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



99 



LETTER XXI. 
The Same to the Same. 

Edinburgh, January 21, 1663. 

My Dearest Heart,— Having the occasion of this 
worthie and kind bearer, I can not but salute you, and tell 
you that your last lyne was acceptable and refreshing to 
me ; and the rather that it was from your own hand, which 
I had my own longing for. The Lord, who is your life, 
and the length of your days, heth bein graciouslie pleased, 
I hope, in pitie and mercie to me, to preserve your lyfe 
and lengthen your dayes ; and, indeed, your lyfe, for ought I 
know, was never more precious in my eyes, and more 
coveted by me, nor did your death ever look on me with 
a sadder countenance. He can, with as little difficultie, 
bless and sanctifie your lyfe to you as He heth preserved 
it ; and putt you through His grace in case to say, upon 
ground, these great words, " To me to live is Christ ; and 
the lyfe that I now live in the fleshe is by the faith of the 
Son of God, who heth loved me, and given himselfe for 
me." He can also sanctify and make it comfortable to 
me in my wanderings and unsettled condition. He can 
withall, audi hope will, sanctify it to the little ones he hath 
given us. I will not say what, in all probabilitie, our case 
wolde have bein without you ; blessed be his gracious name 
that heth not putt us to take a proofe of it! 

The counsell met yesterday, and refused Mr Leving- 
stone's petition for some more tyme ; there was no motion 



100 



LETTER XX L 



1663. 



of me at all. I wonder what the matter means. No man 
that I know of can render a reason of the delay. It is 
without any desyre or dealing from me, who have never 
once mooted since I gave in that rejected petition. It's 
lyke He sees me unmeet to yoke me with the tryall, and 
it may be will not honour me so far as to let me bear a 
part of his sweet cross with his servants. Yet I desyre not 
to mistake him. He heth twyce shuffled me verie unex- 
pectedlie from a sentence of banishment hitherto, when 
it was thought I wolde have bein amongst the first both 
the tymes. However, this I desyre to say to the com- 
mendation of his grace, that both then and now he was 
pleased in some measure to helpe me, if my heart deceaved 
me not, to offer, to desyre to offer, my selfe willinglie to 
imprisonment or banishment, without much trouble for the 
time, as he should think fitt ; and why he heth not ac- 
cepted my offer, so as not to bring about the thinge, and 
whether he will yet doe it, he knoweth. If he keep me 
in his way, and my feet from declyning from his righteous 
paths along the way, and give me my soul for a prey in 
the end, it will be verie well. I cannot thinke they intend 
to suffer me to live in the countrie ; and, indeed, though 
I dar not seek nor choose a sentence of banishment, yet 
it's lyke that I will have at home no verie comfortable lyfe ; 
but his blessed will be done. I can not deny but these 
days past I have had more satisfactione then formerlie in 
their delay to passe a sentence on me, in that I have grown 
more and more unclear as to that obligation they require, 
the refusall of whiche wolde (in my person, at whom they 
have such prejudice, and being the first that should 
scroople, it might) have mett with some hard measure 
from them, and seemed someway to reflect on the practice 



1663. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



101 



of the worthie men who have taken it ; and, on the other 
hand, my light led me most not to take it, whatever might 
follow ; and whether he heth in this pitied me, and keeped 
me out of these difficulties, I cannot tell. I have now re- 
solved to refer myself to another chamber for some dayes. 
It's lyke I might adventure to come to the countrie, but 
the truth is, I know not where to goe ; and s besyde, I can 
be more safe here than any where else, without their li- 
cense, whiche it is not meet in my case to seeke. If you 
wer not there it's lyke I wolde essay a visit. When you 
recover so much strength, think where you can most con- 
veniently sitt down with your familie, and if they let me 
alone, I will, if the Lord wilj, come to you; but tyme will 
give more light, it may be. You need not be anxious 
about my dyet. I have bein verie kindlie dealt with in 
this house, and I hope will be in the next. My dear, 
care well for your health now at my request ; you may 
quicklie after be putt to it. I kindlie salute your sister, 
Provest Porterfield and his wife, Mrs Welsh, Janet 
Stuart, the goodwyfe Ardie, Jean Chambers, and all our 
other freinds ; and am, my dear, your own, 

Mr J. C. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — "Edinburgh, 21st January 1663. Mr John 
Carstaires to his Wife, of sufferings." It has no address.] 

LETTER XXII. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dear Heart, — I receaved yours just now, and am 
verie glade you are in health. I am so. Oh when shall 



102 



LETTER XXIil. 



1663. 



I once be as well otherways ? He to whom no thinge is 
impossible can make me everie way well. I hope, thoughe 
you do not mention it in yours, you receaved that fyfe 
pound sterline ; there should have been but three of it, 
but I did mistake the paper. I think fitt to staye here a 
few dayes till I gett that money from my unckle and 
brother, which I hope will be sometyme the next week. I 
shall send you word when I wolde have the horse sent unto 
me. Have a care of your health, I beseeche you. I 
have no new thinge to acquaint you with. Grace be with 
you. I am, my dear, your own 

Mr J. C. 

Edinburgh, November 11, 1663. 

Receit the inclosed from Mr Johne Hamiltone. Send 
this, with the first occasion, to his father. See that you 
take some of that sent twice or thrice a-day, till it be done ; 
and let me know by the next whether you have [the rest 
is scored out] and how longe you thinke you will be called 
to stay at Glasgow ; it will helpe somewhat in my resolu- 
tione, it may be. 

For Mr John Car stakes his Wyfe, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 

LETTER XXIIL 

Car stair es to Mrs Durham. 

Worthie and Dear Sister, — I have nothinge in 
particular to acquaint you with, onlie I wolde needs salute 



1663. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



103 



you, and thank you heartilie for all the kyndnesse you have 
first and last shewed unto me. The good Lord remem- 
ber it, and returne it sevenfolde unto your bosome. I 
hope, if the Lord directe my way thitherward, to see you 
shortlie, tho' I be yet at no final resolutione what to doe. 
I often think I have goten this unsettled and wandering 
conditione in place of my banishment. Oh ! if it were 
sanctified to me. Have a speciail care of your sister and 
my wyfe. She is low in hir bodie, and heth been muche 
toyled manay wayes. She is my faithfull companion. 
See that twice or thrice a-day she take some of that wyne 
sent, so longe as it lasts. Remember me to the children. 
The Lord's riche grace be with you. I am, dear sister, 
your own affectionate brother and obliged servant, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

Edinburgh, November 11, 1663. 

For my ivorthie and dear Sister^ 
Mrs Durham, at Glasgow^ 
these. 



LETTER XXIV. 

Carstaires to his Wife. 

My Dearest Heart, — I receaved yours yesterday, 
and am glade you are in health. I desyre, if I mistake 
not, to be in anay place with you as muche as you doe to 
be with me, thoughe still my bein with you is lyke to be to 
so litle purpose as to your advantage. Alace ! that heth 
bein so for the great part hitherto. He can make it other- 
wise. O that I might once see it, and be comforted in it . 



104 LETTER XXV. 1663. 

I have goten no moneys as yet. The Lord will doe well. 
Have a care of your health. It may be He will keep you 
to look a whyle to the litle ones when I am gone, which 
wolde be their mercie and myne. You may, I think, if 
you can, get a horse : send him in, on all adventures, 
against Thursday night of the next week, or on Monday 
come eight dayes at furthest. I salute your sister and Ja- 
net Stuart kindlie ; and am, my dear, your own. 

Edinburgh, November 19, 1663. 

If I can get these gloves, I shall indeavour it ; but I 
think I will hardlie before I come home. Mistresse Bay- 
lie sayes, she knowes not what was in that pock : you 
wolde remember her in your next. I shall advertise Mis- 
tresse Sinclaire. Mistresse Livingstone is not gone as 
yet, but it's like will some of these dayes. 

For Mr Johne Car stair es his Wyfe^ 
at Glasgow ! , 
these. 



LETTER XXV. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dear Heart, — I have taken the occasion of this 
bearer to salute you, and to let you know that I have my 
health prittie well — blessed be the Lord. We are this 
day about to confirm my brother's a testament, and to ac- 



* His brother-in-law, Principal James Wood's testament. 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



105 



cepte our office of curatorie of the children. It's lyke I 
will, one of these two dayes, goe out of this town. If you 
hear not from me for a whyle, you need not be anxious ; 
yet it shall be as short a whyle, be sure, as I can. I have 
hard somewhat further of this man's 3 threatnings, and 
that he blames me much for what is done. But my tymes 
and tryalls are all in the hand of the Lord, numbered and 
determined by him ; and he cannot trouble me till my hour 
come. You know, my dearest, thoughe we have bein 
often putt assunder, yet we have got leave to be togither 
longer than we expected. Let me intreat you to in- 
courage yourselfe in the Lord, and to have a speciall 
care of your health, that you may be the better fitted to 
goe throughe what it shall please him, in his holie Provi- 
dence, to sheape out for us. If we had more of God all 
wolde be well. If you find anay access for acceptable 
motions to make away our house, I wishe ye wolde, with- 
out troubling yourselfe, or seeming too desirous to be quitt 
of it, presentlie sett them on foot. I salute your worthie 
sister kindlie, and all our other friends ; and am, my dear, 
your own M. J. C. 

St Andrews, March 29, J 664. 

Let me know if you receaved myne into that inclosed 
paper, and if you know whether Mr Alex. b has receaved 
his ; for that man here hath got one of them, but the end 
of it was that it should be made publick. 

For Mr John Carstaires his Wyfe> 
at Glasgow, 
these. 

a Archbishop Sharp is the " this man " here referred to. 
h Mr Alexander Dunlop, minister of Paisley. 



10(5 



LETTER XXVI 



1664. 



LETTER XXVI. 

The Same to the Same. 

Worthie and Dear Sister, — Yourfriend is in health ; 
and, amidst all the noyse, in some good measure, through 
the goodnesse of God, quyet in his mynd, resolved to use 
all lawfull means with cautione, yet not verie anxious if 
they shall misgive. He will be out of the place where 
yours fand him before this come to your hand. He ac- 
counts it sometymes a mercie that the great enemie of 
Chryst's kingdom is his greatest enemie, and for bearing 
witnesse to so goust and necessarie a deed. Be verie 
cheerfull in the Lord, dear sister ; he can hyde if he will, 
and will, if it be good ; and if not, let all hydings faill. It's 
fitt we committ ourselves to God in well-doing, as to a 
faithfull Creator, and that we indeavour to possesse our- 
selves in patience. Be not anxious, dear sister. It may 
be you will hear in a few dayes from your freind, who 
sometymes is more thoughtie about you than himselfe. O 
for grace to trust him ! There is a necessitie of it. Give 
to Quarreltoune, when you see him, threttie pounds Scotts, 
whiche your freind got from him. God reigns : the coun- 
sell of Jehovah stands. The thoughtes of his heart take 
place, and he makes the devyces of the people of none 
effecte. I kindlie salute your sister, and am your own 
brother, John Jameson. 

Deliver thir letters some few dayes after this. You 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



107 



make use, sister, of the sixteen dollars I left with you at 
Edinburgh, and pay Quarreltone out of them. 

For my worthie and dear Sister, 
Mistresse Jameson. 

[This most probably written in March or beginning of April 1664, (evidently 
written before May 1664,) when forced to fly, on account of having been wit- 
ness to Wood's testament.] 



LETTER XXVI. 

The Same to the Same. 

Dear Sister, — I have sent the hearer express to see 
how you are, and to let you know that that litle com- 
modities came hither safe yesterday morning \ for it could 
not be so far carried that night for spoyling. It is in tol- 
erable good case. Let me know whether the waiters 15 will 
make search for such commodities, and if they know it's 
gone by them ; what pryce they will rate it at, and how 
they will doe with the rest of the poor man's goods; what 
became of his letters wreatten to these persons for saving 
that commoditie ; how they were guyded, and how ac- 
cepted. Remember me s darling, to my kind and faith- 
fullest brother with you, whom I wolde have indeavouring 
to get that for me which I called for when I saw him last ; 
by whose advyce, and the advyce of your other friends 



a He here speaks of himself as a commodity, for the purpose of secrecy. 
b Waiters are his enemies. c The poor man is himself. 



108 



LETTER XXVI. 



1664. 



there, that wrote a lyne of advyce before, you may quick- 
lie and dexterouslie dispose upon all your other goods, 
having got that commoditie putt by. Be very chearful, 
dearest sister ; for you have, I am confident, a great re- 
venue in the heart of God, and no less now than before. 
If you think fitt, as I doe, you may take two roumes in 
Mr David Hoorne's house, whence you may once a day 
goe with your children to Heriot's Yards to take the air, 
making your acquaintance, by the means of some other, 
with the gardiner. I will say no more now, but that I 
am, dear sister, your verie loving brother in Chryst Jesus, 

Mr Johne Jamesone , a 

App. 18, 1664. 

Remember me kindlie to my last host, and send with 
the bearer a pair of course strong gray stockings, and 
some linning socks, when you come at them and have oc- 
casion. I have given the bearer ten shillings. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Jamesone, 
these. 



a On the back is written by Professor Mackay — " Mr Jo. Carstares, in hiding, 
to his Wyfe." Mr Carstaires' father's name was James, therefore, he really was 
John Jameson. 



1664. 



(ARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



109 



LETTER XXVII. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dear Sister, — I can onlie tell you that I am in 
health, and somewhat quyet in my mynd, and going pre- 
sentlie to see whereof God is God, as of the dry land. 
Be verie cheerful in the Lord, and have a care of your 
health. I have wreaten ane other lyne to the Lord Chan- 
cellor^ to be delivered or not, as you and he and Mr 
x\lexander (whom I dearlie remember) shall think fitt. 
If you please, you may acquaint my Lady Margaret Ken- 
nydy with what I wrot to my Lord Lauderdail, to see if 
any severe course might be prevented. Give her a copy 
of the letter wreaten first to the Chancellor. I thank her 
(Ladyship) heartilie for taking notice of me. I saw her 
(Ladyship's) brother, my Lord, at St Andrews, who sent 
this epitaph to Mr Wood's lodgings when he died. This 
is the verie copy that he sent, subscripted, I suppose, 
with his own hand, which I caused take off the coffine 
on purpose. He is the gratest youth I have readilie 
seen ; I wolde gladly waited on his (Lordship,) but durst 
not. I salute your sister dearlie. I dar not wreat on 
lyne further. I am your own. 

App. 27, 1664- 

I mynd to send another draught of a letter to the Chan- 
cellour, if I can. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Jamesofie, 
these. 

a See either Wodrow's History, or M'Crie's Life of Veitch and Brysson. The 
Lord Chancellor was Glencairn. 



110 



LETTER XXVIII. 



1664. 



LETTER XXVIII. 

The Same to the Same. 

Dearest Sister, — I came well hither, and was but 
verie litle sicke beyond what I thought possible. I am 
going presentlie to see again for ane other kingdome. 
All things are here carfullie provided for me. I am sin- 
gularlie oblidged to them beyond what I can say. You 
shall hear from me, if the Lord will, with the first occa- 
sion. The Lord, I hope, will be gracious to us, thoughe 
verie sinfull. Incourage your selfe in him. I am much 
without anxietie, blessed be God's name. Ye have here 
a fyne boy, tenderlie looked to; the Lord remember all 
their kindness. Send, with the first occasion, to St An- 
drews, to my brother William, and bid him send you a 
dussen and a halfe of good gowrTe-balls for a friend ; they 
are for Gawbin. You may send six shillings. Send this 
inclosed, from Mr John Hamiltoun to Judge Ker, with 
the first occasion, and desyre him to returne an answer 
with the first convenience; and send this to Mr John Sim 
his father when ye find occasion. I am heasted, and can 
onlie kindlie salute your sister, and desyre the Lord to 
bless you and bear you company. I am, my dearest 
sister, your own brother, 

Johne Jameson. 

May 2, 1664. 

It's lyke ye will doe well to goe out of your sister, and 



1604. 



OARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



Ill 



send some of the eldest children to some other houses in 
the town for a few dayes, till that citation be by. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Jameson, 
these. 



LETTER XXIX. 

The Same to the Same. 

Dearest Sister, — I came in good company, provided 
for me by our speciall friend, to Ireland, on Monday last, 
the 2d of Maii. We had, in God's good Providence, 
right easie passage, yet I was right sick, but am now 
prettie well again ; as some letters from this will fur- 
ther assure you, if you should be more loath in this to 
admit of my own testimonie. I know you will not make 
use of those letters out of the case of necessitie ; and in 
that case you may onlie let it not be known what way 
they came to your hand, even thoughe you shoulde be 
particularlie interrogated ; nather woulde you, before the 
councell day, let it be knowen that I am in Ireland, least 
they cause make search here ; and, if the Lord will, I shall 
get me to some other kingdome about that tyme, and be- 
fore any order can come hither .... day to search for 
me. It will, I suppose, be fitt, that about that time you 
goe in yourself to Edinburgh, and cause speak to as many 
of the statesmen as anay thinge maybe expected of; and 
as you hear of their resolution, so, by advyce, dispose upon 
anay little thinge we have in the most probablie safe way. 



112 



LETTER XXIX. 



1664 



I sent one letter for the Lord Chancellour before I came 
from that syde, and now I have sent yon other two, with 
advyce especiallie of my most deare and faithful brother 
Mr Alexander. Deliver any of the three that shall be 
thought for the cause and for me. But I beseech and 
obtest that the interest of the cause may praedomine. It's 
lyke I will not fare the worse that that be most kindlie 
handled. If further clearing of that famous dead man, 
and a further dashe to that bolde and impudent calumnia- 
tor a be called for, take the most particular and full of all 
these letters and deliver, trusting me, your self, and your 
children, to the Lord. As I would have no rashness, no 
imprudent rushing upon danger, so I wolde not especiallie 
counsell with flesh and blood, and grow carnallie and sin- 
fullie politick. I left a copie of the reasons, for which it 
seemed I could not appear before the Commissione with- 
out a testimony with Mr Alexander, that, if it be fitt they 
be given in, they may be revised and helped as they think 
good. I doubt somewhat of Doctor Usher his judgment, 
asserted by me in that paper, for I had him not besyde 
me in the tyme. I have, in my last and longest letter to 
the Chancellor, now sent to you, hinted at these reasons. 
If it be fitt that letter be delivered, and not the reasons, 
that sentence relating to them may be blotted out. I know 
not, dear sister, how things are there, and so dar not in any 
thinge be peremptorie, yet I wish the councill wer acquaint- 
ed with the discourse he had on the Tuesday immediately 
before his dictatingthat Testimony ; for it gives, before any 
other particular, great light as to his seriousness and deli- 
beratione in the thinge, but I must leave the management 
of all to faithful friends there, desyring to bless the Lord I 

a Sharp. 



1664. 



carst Aires to his wife 



113 



have some whom I dar trust more than myselfe. If the 
giving of it may edifie, let some way be taken to acquaint 
the particular ministers I make mention of, and shew them 
the necessitie of it, and how little prejudiciall it can be to 
them now, they not having revealed it themselves, and hav- 
ing also appeared, two of them alreadie, before the Com- 
mission ; and it's verie lyke that man, the A. B., a will never 
suffer them be examined as witnesses, nor once called for. 
Mr Tullidelph will be dealt with, if my letter bearing that 
be not given at all, or after it's given in, to deliver a copy 
of that discourse for my use. It's strange if he refuse it, 
since his dead friend's name is so much concerned in it. 
Call for a copy of the dead man's speeches, keeping out 
that of Tuesday, and give it to Lady Margaret Kennedie, 
for hir own use. You, together with Mr Alexander, and 
even hir if it be necessarie, putt out words of anay letter 
of myne that shall be delivered. I leave all on you, and 
you, my helper, on God, to be helped by him. He pleases 
to keep me quyet in my mynd, thoughe there be verie 
muche guilt and great unsuitablenesse of frame to what 
the Lord is doing me. But he can graciouslie help that 
when he pleases. Our freind, indeed, was speaking of the 
convenience of your coming to the Woodsyde ; you may 
think of it, or. if you desyre rather to be alone, take your 
own mynde and your own libertie. It may be you will 
doe well there for a whyle ; but I must in that leave you 
to God, who loves you dearlie, his counsell and directione ; 
onlie be chearfull in him, and have a care of your health, 
and of the children's educatione. I did draw a lyne of 
my mynd, anent the disposal of my affaires atQuarreltoune, 

a Archbishop. 

H 



114 



LETTER XXIX. 



1664. 



which I hope he heth delivered to you. Have a care of 
my books. If that house can sell it will doe well, but be 
carefull about nothinge ; take the whole of it precisely at the 
tearme least. I am heasted, and can onlie salute your 
worthie sister, and tell you that you are deare to me, and 
that I am, my dearest sister, your own verie affectionate 
brother in the Lord, 

JOHNE JAMESONE. 

From Isle Magie, in Ireland, Maii 4, 1664. 

When you send for these balls to my brother William, 
bid him also, if he can get them, send you along a quiver, 
with a dussen or sixteen fyne arrows, halfe butt, halfe 
r^ven arrowes, with the pryce of them. See that they 
be verie good, and safely put up and carried. They are for 
Gawbin, If ye get them and the balls, send them to him 
with the first occasion. Write a lyne to my nephew, Wil- 
liam, and remember me to him and the rest. Tell him 
I am out of the countrey, and bid him looke behind the 
cart where Hay, and he will finde a paper which he wolde 
keep ; and if it be possible to get that letter I was speaking 
of let it be sought, and bid him remember me to his good 
mother. 

Your brother, the Captain, is come home to his own 
house, and is well. It's lyke I will not adventure to see 
him, for some of his prejudice. 

James Brown and his wife have bein kind to me. 

For his dear Sister, Mrs Jamesone, 
these. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " From Ireland, May 4, 1664, Mr Jo. Car- 
stares to his Wife. Persecution of Mr Ja. Wood."] 



1(364. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



115 



LETTER XXX. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Verie Dear Sister, — I did vvreat to you before, 
since my arriving hither, and sent you a lyne from James 
Brown, who married James Mitchell his daughter, with 
whom I have sojourned these days past, and should have 
sent you another from Mr RobertDoknay, but the boat went 
away even when Mr Robert was wreating. I have sent it 
now ; and it may be this will come soonest to your hand, 
the other having gone to our friends by the way, who will 
have a care to send them with the first occasion to you. 
They may be produced, if need be, to make it appear I 
am out of the kingdom. I sent also two other letters 
to the Lord Chancellour, that anay of all the three may be 
delivered that shall be thought fittest. I wolde be glade 
that there wer need of none of them ; for 1 love not, out of 
the case of necessity, to appear in wreat. If it be thought 
that Mr Wood and myself wer sufficiently vindicated by 
that first letter written at Edinburgh, there will need no 
more. It's lyke ye will not find it convenient to make use 
of these reasons ; but doe as the Lord shall directe. The 
cause is grave, and the reasons are but light, and wolde 
goe throughe many hands. I say, again, the Lord directe. 

You may wreat a lyne to me if this come soon to your 
hand, and let me know what is done, or lyke to be done, 
about me. You may enclose it in a lyne to Mr Ralphe, a to 

a Probably Mr Ralph Rogers. 



116 



LETTER XXX. 



1664. 



whom I have wreaten how to direct it to me. If need be, 
send an express to him, not otherways. Heast it away. 
I am in health, and troubled with nothing but an evil 
heart, with which I doe not trouble myself as I ought. 
Thoughe some singular thinges befall me, yet the frame 
of my heart is but verie coarse and commoun. O to have 
it once established by grace ! Have a care of yourselfe, 
my dear sister, and be cherefull. Let not your heart be 
troubled. Chryst Jesus hath left his peace for you. I 
salute your sister, and all other friends you think fitt. But 
let none know where I am. Grace be with you ! The 
Lord, whose you are, and whom you serve, be with and 
stand by you. I am, dearest sister, your verie loving 
brother in the Lord, Johne Jamesone. 

Ilemagie, a in Ireland, May 5, 1664. 

You may wreat a lyne to Mr Benedict Stephen, and 
send it to James Grahame. Show him my conditione, 
and desyre him to send that mony. 

Cause close Mr Delowaye's letter, when you have read 
it, and then open it up again. 

I have yet, missing occasion elsewhere, resolved to send 
this letter to our best friend ; so, it may be, all will come 
together. I am still in health, and quyet in my mynd : 
the Lord make it much more so with you. 

May 7. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Jameson, 
these. 



a Isle Maghie, in the north of Ireland. 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



117 



LETTER XXXI. 

The Same to the Same. 

From Isle Magie, in Ireland, May 12, 1664. 

My Dearest Sister, — These letters should have 
come several waves to you, but all, in Providence, did mis- 
give ; and now I have sent the bearer to visit you, and to 
deliver them to you, knowing that it will refresh you 
to see anay that have seen, me in health here. I am 
still, blessed be the Lord, verie well in my health, not 
darring so much as once to wishe that I had not bein at, 
St Andrews, or that I had not done what I did there ; 
only my heart, my heart, is not well. Will it ever be ? Oh, 
when shall it once be ? I hope the Lord putts and keeps 
yours in much better case ; if so, it will refreshe me, how- 
ever my own should make me verie sad. 

May 13. I have again, not throughe my default, since 
yesternight, missed an other occasione, which troubleth 
me a litle, not knowing what may be the Lord's mynd in 
it. It may be these letters wolde not have come in tyme, 
though they had come as soon as wreaten. However, I 
will wreat out this lyne to you at an adventure ; it may be 
the Lord will yet offer some seasonable opportunitie. If 
not, let him doe what seemeth him good. O that he may 
not be angrie ! Sure I am he hath much reason ; but woe 
to me if he shall narrowlie mark iniquities. Indeed, it heth 
not be in his manner with me ; whereof my wretched heart 
heth, alace ! often taken advantage, to his dishonour, and 
my own great prejudice. It's a wonder that his patience^ 



118 



LETTER XXXI. 



1664. 



hath not ere now expyred ; but, well's me, it's infinite, even 
the patience of God ! He who I thought should have bein 
the bearer is John Shedden, whom our best friend sent 
with me hither to wait on me. But having no great need 
of him, I resolved to have sent him to you, that thence he 
might have gone home. But whether all these letters 
shall goe first to our friend, or immediately to the main- 
land, I cannot tell. The Lord directe. In the meantyme, 
let me intreat you, dear sister, to have a speciall and verie 
tender care of your health, which, on several obvious ac- 
counts, the Lord calls you unto. I hope you will not 
alter your way, (though I know there must be new and 
freshe influences from the Lord to holde you on in it,) 
whiche, when thoughte of, easeth my mynd of much hea- 
vinesse and anxietie. For if you, sister, were disposed to 
be as anxious as manay are in such cases, my spirit wolde 
be someway crushed. I desyre heartilie to bless him who 
heth, to the observation of manay, so much suted your 
dispositione to the dispensations you have often bein un- 
der. Blessed be he, may I say, for that sweet trust of Pro- 
vidence, and for his binding up of that, to me, most usefull, 
incouraging, strengthening, refreshing, and comfortable 
relatione. Sometymes it grieveth me somewhat, for your 
sake, that the hand of the Lord heth thus (if I dar say so) 
gone out against me. But the God of your mercies can 
abundantly make up all to you. I hope, nay, I am in a 
good measure confident, whatever come of me, he will doe 
it. Blessed be you of the Lord, my sister ! for you have 
shewed more kindness toward the latter end than at the 
beginning, thoughe then verie great. I must now break 
off abruptlie, not being sure but an occasion may be pre- 
sentlie had. I must leave all to be managed by you, ac- 



16(34. 



CAtlSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE 



119 



cording to the wisdome and tendernesse God heth given 
you. You will take advyce especiallie of Mr Alexander. 
The grace of the Lord be with you ! My dearest sister, 
I am, your own brother, John Jameson. 

I salute your sister verie kindlie. 

For my verie dear Sister, 
Mistresse Jameson, at Glasgow, 
these. 



LETTER XXXII. 
The Same to the Same. 



My Worthie and Verie Dear Sister, — 1 have ta- 
ken the occasion of this bearer, John Mackgill, (whom ye 
wolde make welcome when he comes to see you,) kindlie 
to salute you, and to let you know that I am still in health, 
and in the place where I was at first, where I have indeed 
bein verie kindlie dealt with, I have had, these some 
dayes past, some litle longing to have hard from you be- 
fore I had left this kingdome s (from which I mynd to goe, 
if the Lord will, with the first fair wind, the convenience 
of a vessel offering ;) but it seems I will not now hear anay 
word from you before my departure hence, wherein I de- 
syre to reverence Divine Providence. Be not anxious 
about me, I entreat you, my dear sister, only pray for me 
that I may be kept from evil ; and you shall, if he so 



120 



LETTER XXXII, 



1664. 



think fitt, hear from me with the first occasion, from the 
place whither I am to goe. If, at this nixt meeting, some 
men shall be cruell, and others shall disappoynt, and prove 
vanitie and a lie, think it not strange, nather let it trouble 
you. It's lyke we will have trouble in the worlde ; but if 
we shall have peace in him that heth overcome the worlde, 
we have reason to be of good cheir. Let us quyetly and 
patientlie wait for our sentence in these courts from God, 
which thoughe, as from men, it should be unjust and cruell, 
yet as from God it will be just, holie, and, I hope, good. 
Being lyke to lose the opportunitie of the bearer, I dar 
say no more ; but the riche grace of the Lord Jesus be 
with you, to inable you to doe and suffer as he shall call 
you to it. I am, dearest sister, your affectionatt brother, 

John Jameson. 

Ireland, May 27, 1664. 

Have a speciall care of your health, and take the first 
occasion after you know what shall be done with me to 
wreat to our best friend, who will get it conveyed to me. 
I salute your sister kindlie, with Mr Burnett a and his wyfe, 
and our dearest brother Mr Alex r . You may, if no other 
occasion offer, wreat a lyne to Mr Benedicte, and send it 
to Mr Johne Webay, in Holland, who will get it to him. 
Present my humblest service and tenderest respects to 
my noble Lady Kenmure. The Lord remember and 
graciously reward all hir kindness and labour of love ! 
My host, Mr Brown, kindlie remembers you and Ebene- 
zer. I know you think it a favour that my flight hath not 
bein in the winter. 

a Probably the famous Burnett. 



1664. 



CARST AIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



121 



Johne Mackgill did not advertise me, and is gone, so 
that I know not when this shall come to your hand. If 
my Lord Argyle be in Edinburgh when you are there, it 
will not be amiss you goe to him, and apologize for not 
waiting his answer in that particular, and show him the 
reason ingenuouslie. I mett with your brother here, who 
is as well as at anay tyme. 

For my dear Sister, Mistresse Jameson, 
these. 



LETTER XXXIII. 
The Same to the Same. 

June 21, 1684. 

My Speciall and Dearest Friend, — I have now, 
getting more lazure, wreaten a lyne to Thomas Pater- 
sone to deliver that letter, and make such use of it as you 
will find in the inclosed to him ; seal them both with 
my own seal. If you think it not otherwise altogither un- 
fitt for your aboade there, I have wreaten my positive ad- 
vyce to you ; but if you be altogither averse, as I hope 
you will not, then I must leave you to be counselled by 
our best friend coming to you. I find it the greatest dif- 
ficultie I have of that kind to be separat from you, and it 
may be ye find some ; but the Lord heth put us to it, and 
he can helpe pleasantlie to submitt. For the Lord's sake 



122 



LETTER XXXIII. 



1664. 



have a care of your health, and be chearfull. If you can 
get word from Will a and Mr Sinclair 15 against the board- 
ers may [be] removing, endeavour it ; but not to your own 
trouble. Send that letter to my Lady Kenmure with the 
first convenience. Send me the Hebrew Grammer I 
some tyme looked on when with you at Glasgow ; it's a 
little gray-skinned booke. Send me, also, my mickle 
black satine cap ; helpe it if it need. Let me know 
what Gavin c and Katherine are doing, and remember 
me to them. If you goe to George Porterfield's, send 
Sandie d to Marion Watson's school at Thomas Camp- 
bell his gate, and bid hir teach him good manners as 
well as to learne to read ; see that your daughters be 
taught to behave themselves suitablie. Let me [hear, 
dear friend, if you doe now, or will shortlie, stand in neec 
of mony, and I will endeavour to get it provided for you. 
Pay your son's quarter. Wreat a lyne also to Thomas 
Nicholsone his tutor, Mr Alexander, and desyre him to 
wreat a particular account to me of Will's carriage anc 
profiting ; thanke him for his kindnesse, and let them 
know ye will get all their letters conveyed to me. Let 
Katherine/ if you think fitt and stay there, be putt to 
singe, at least to try if she will learne at all. I know 
their Christian and ingenuous educatione lyeth as near 
your heart as myne, and that ye will be wanting in nothing 
that's requisit for the same. I will, therefore, quyetlie 
lippen and trust them to you, and you and them to the 

a William Carstaires, afterwards Principal of Edinburgh. b A famous 

teacher at Ormiston, with whom William was boarded. See M'Cormick's Life of 
Principal Carstares. c This Gavin was not his own son. d Sandie, the son 
of Mr John Carstaires, who afterwards settled in Rotterdam. e Katherine 

seems to have died young. 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



123 



Lord ; in whose heart I am, without all doubt, upon good 
ground, persuaded you have a considerable roum. O if 
I wer there with you ! Grace, grace from the God of all 
grace be with you ! I am, my dear and faithful friend, 
your obliged servant, 

JOHNE JAMESONE. 

Keepe these letters to Thomas Patersone eight dayes 
or ten besyde you before ye deliver of them. 

I fear you stand in need of Isobel Thorn ; she easeth 
your sweet sister much, I suppose, as to litle Jamie ; yet 
let me know when ye will need hir. If none know that 
I am in Ireland, blot out Ireland of my letter to the 
elders. If it be known, let it^stand. a 

For my verie worthie Friend, 
Mistresse Jamesone, 
these. 



LETTER XXXIV. 

The Same to the Same. 

June 28, 1664. 

My Dearest Friend, — I doe not willinglie omitt anay 
occasion of saluting you, and have, therefore, taken holde 
of this for that end. I am still in health, and much 
keeped from wearieing, thoughe since I came hither I 

* This is the most domestic of all his letters given in this volume. 



124 



LETTER XXXIV. 



1664. 



have not. gone abroad. You will easilie beleive that here 
I not onlie want nothinge, but am in a sort oppressed 
with your sister and neece's kindnesse. My contentment 
and satisfaction with my lot have, since I saw you, mett 
with no tryall to speak of. I have not gott leave by anay 
external! occurrent to know that whiche may be thought 
by some to attend wandering. Alace ! 1 have all the whyle 
carried about with me, as a constant and closs companion, 
a living, livelie, and stronge bodie of death. This dis- 
quyets and imbitters exceedinglie beyond all other thinges. 
This is a compleatlie sad crosse. O, if I might find fa- 
vour in his sight, so to look on it, and so to walke and 
groan under it. This cleaveth closse as a girdle doeth 
to the loynes of a man. There is no power, nay, whiche 
is worse, scarce a willingnesse to shake it off. It may, 
upon better than ordinarie ground, be chronickled to the 
commendatione of his most longe-suffering patience and 
friest grace, if he shall forbear to say, " He is joyned to his 
idols ; let him alone ;" and " I would have purged him, and 
he would not be purged ; therefore he shall not be purged 
till my furie rest on him." I find it easie, comparativelie 
verie easie, to goe to a prison, to wander, and to be in a 
sort of exyle, be it is to subdue a lust. There is a great 
deal more of Christian revenge, and resolutione of sin- 
ceritie and selfe- deny all in the one than in the other. 
Selfe, and by considerations, may verie much influence 
those, but pure respecte to the glorie of God predomi- 
nated in effectual endeavours to subdue a secret lust 
which is not exposed to endeavours to the observatione 
of standers by. It is easie, through e the grace of God, 
to carie suitablie in the other sort of tryalls, if there be 



I(}(j4. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



125 



sutable and Christian acquitting in this. And here I may, 
to my shame, acknowledge I am a verie chyld — a novice, 
uterlie void of skill and dexteritie in practice. Whatever 
knowledge there may be of the rules of this noble art, 
the Lord teach me effectually, and instructe me with a 
stronge hand, to doe his will in this matter ; and who 
teacheth lyke him ? You will not easilie beleive me if I 
should tell you with how heall a heart, nay, with how 
hard a heart, I mentione these thinges. But I will trouble 
you no more with them, having said much more than I 
intended. I have my own longing to hear from you, and, 
if it might be, to come for you ; but it's lyke the last will 
not be feasible in heast. I have reason to think that my 
not injoying and improving aright your fellowship, is just- 
lie chestized with great difficultie, sweetlie, pleasantlie, 
and desyredlie to submitt to the want of it. However, 
my choysest friend, have a speciall care of yourselfe. Want 
no thinge ; be cheerfull, as you have reason, in the Lord. 
Farewell everie way, and prosper, even as I know your 
soul prospereth. 

Send me over that litle bottle of the wormwood wyne, 
if there be anay quantitie in it, that your sister may try it. 
And if that barrell of ginger be yet unbroke up, and your 
selfe make no use of it, (whiche if you doe, or will in the 
least be the better of, I command you not to send it,) 
send it also for her. 

Putt the inclosed lyne in Thomas Patersone his letter, 
if it be not out of your hand ; if it be, when you see him, 
desyre him in my name to salute them. It may offend I 
mentioned others, and not these. I kindlie salute Doc- 
tor Ratray and his wyfe, Janet Patoun, and Janet Stuart, 



126 LETTER XXXV. 1664. 

and Thomas Lockhart's wyfe, and your kind sister. I 
am, your loving brother, 

John Jameson. 

For my worthie and kinde Friend, 
Mistresse Jamesone, 
these. 



LETTER XXXV. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Verie Dear and Much Esteemed Friend, — 
Being surprised with the bearer's awaygoing, I can onlie 
salute you, and tell you that I receaved yours ; by whiche 
I perceave you have bein and are, not without reason, 
somewhat troubled about the place of your aboade. I 
think you will be with your sister not so well accommo- 
dated as I wolde wishe, besyde that she will also be ham- 
pered. If you found it convenient to goe where I de- 
syred you first, ye may think of it; but I am unwilling 
by any new overture to unsetle you in anay resolutione 
you have come at. However, it does not a litle satisfie 
and refreshe me, that the Lord is graciouslie pleased to 
keepe your own mynd calme and quyet ; and, indeed, it 
heth been his manner, to the commendatione of his grace 
be it spoken, to blesse you with somewhat of that mercie 
in most of the difficulties you have been in Providence 
trysted with since our being togither — a mercie, indeed, 



1664. 



C ARSTAIRES TO HIS -WIFE. 



1*27 



and highelie valovvable ; without which the least of diffi- 
culties will easilie imbitter a verie well accomodated lote ; 
nay, even the verie apprehension of a difficultie. As 
your selfe heth, so have I reason to blesse the Lord for 
this mercie, which I desyre to reckon amongst my mer- 
cies. Trust him, my dearest friend, with all that whiche 
concerneth you, who is the God of your mercies. I some- 
tymes fear because of the iniquitie he knows to be with 
me, you may be putt to some one or other peece of 
tryall ; but sure it will be sanctified to you. Your lyfe, 
health, and welfare everie way, are precious unto P and 
much sett by with me, and I hope precious in the eyes of 
the Lord. I verie much, even vehementlie, longe to see 
you, but I am muche dissuaded here from attempting 
suche a thinge, on severall accounts relating to us both. 
The house, I suppose, you are now in, addes alike to the 
difficultie of my accesse to you. But I desyre to beleive 
that God will supplie all your wants out of the riches of 
his glorie, by Jesus Chryst. I have not, as yet, come to 
be fullie quyet in mynd anent forbearing to visit you. 
But since it heth pleased him to hyde me, I desyre not to 
be rashe in mooting anay where, and the lesse, that I fear 
your anxietie about me must doe you prejudice. The 
Lord give counsell. However, as to the baptizing of the 
chyld, if your selfe find no other providence offer you> 
you may cause wreat a lyne to Mr James Glendoning, 
and desyre him to come in quyetlie and do it. And for the 
name, if a son, call him Robert or Gavin, as your selfe 
thinks fitt ; you know my obligations on both hands. If 
a daughter, call hir, if you think fitt, Margaret ; my obli- 
gations are not small that way nather. If I come not 
over, I intend to make bold to deal for your sweet, kind. 



128 LETTER XXXV. 1664. 

and carefull neece, Ursula, to be with you. I allow well 
of your resolutione to send forth the young ones to the 
milhouse ; onlie, ye wolde give directione in your own 
way that they may not be quit by example, whether in 
hearing or seeing. Let me have, with the first, a double 
of what I wrote anent Kintyre to that noble lady ; and, 
withall, let me know, as neer as you may, when ye thinke 
probablie you will be brought to bed. The good Lord 
be with you to refreshe and comfort you with his own 
presence. I am, my dearest friend, yours to be com- 
manded while I am 

John Jameson. 

July 3, 1664. 

I salute your sister kindlie. Excuse that I cannot wreat 
to her now, it being nighe two a'clock in the morning. I 
have wreaten a lyne to Mr Alexander, and desyred him 
to send Will back again to Mr Sinclair's, if the familie 
be well again. I expected some gowfF balls out of St 
Andrews for Gavin ; ye wolde yet, when you have con- 
venience, send for them, — a dussen or eighteen. Re- 
member me kindlie to Provost Porterfield, a his wyfe, and 
Janet Stuart, and let me know how our friends in Hol- 
land are. Receate the inclosed memorandum about your 
neece Jean's gown. Let me hear from you with the first. 
You get four or fyve, such as they are, for one. If you 
knew how muche I longe for your lyne, and with what 
complacencie I read it, ye wolde omitt no occasione ; and 
I think ye omitt none. I am sorie that I should be looked 
on as such a singular presser of the Lord Argyle ; all hes 



a Probably a relation of Porterfield of Quarrelton, who married the sister of 
Mrs John Carstaires. 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



129 



bein in desyres, and these, belyke, somewhat pathetick, 
throughe the two noble ladyes' kinde respects to me. 

I have gone abrooad to take the air these five or six 
dayes last past. 

For Mistresse Car stair es, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 



LETTER XXXVL 

The Same to the Same. 

My Choyce and Verie Dear Freind, — I have taken 
this occasion kindlie to salute you, and let you know that 
I am in health, and, you may be sure, too much dauted 
here ; yet I have my own longing to see you, if Provi- 
dence wolde open anay door, for I shall desyre, thoughe 
I find it difficult, not to make heast in the mean tyme. 
Let me beseech you, as you love your freind, and wolde yet 
more stronglie oblige him, have a care of your health and 
dyet, and see that ye want no thinge. 1 allow all on you 
with my blessing, and, whiche is much more, 1 am per- 
suaded God alloweth on you with his blessing what may 
be for the comfort of your lyfe. Let them even know 
that you have occasion to converse with, by a suitablie, 
chearfull countenance and carriage, that you are not 
ashamed of the cross of our Lord Jesus, (for it's so to 
you, however it be to me,) and that you are not so broken 



130 



LETTER XXXVI. 



1664. 



and undone as some may be disposed to think ; that when 
men are cast down, you may say by your practice and 
carriage that then is lifting up. I hear but litle and sel- 
dome from you ; I wolde hear much and often if it 
might be. I know you will not let slip the opportunitie 
of selling your house ; let it be done with as litle noyce as 
may be. Let me know what acceptance that letter had 
with the elder ; and if George Lowk be yet alyve. If he 
be, goe visit him, and let me know by the next, without 
fail, how he is. I am heasted, and onlie bid you have a 
care of your selfe. Grace, grace be with you ! I am, 
dearest friend, your own verie affectionate friend, 

John Jamesone. 

July 14, 1664. 

I have sent you a letter that you may close it, and send 
it with the first sure hand. See that it be a verie sure and 
faithfull one, and with all convenient diligence. 

For my loving Sister, Mistresse Carstaires, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 



1664. 



OARST AIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



131 



LETTER XXXVII. 

The Same to the Same. 

August 12, 1664. 

My Dearest Heart, — I received yours, of the 2d of 
this instant, yesterday, with the inclosed, by which, as I 
perceave, you are in tollerable health, wherof I am 
glade. So I found in it a sad, thoughe it may be a neces- 
sarie, inhibitione served upon me by you as to a visit ; one 
of the thinges in the world to which I have the strongest 
propension ; but, it seems by severall considerations and 
circumstances, I must crosse it ; and oh, if I might but 
be so far selfe-denyed as Christianlie, singlie, and satis- 
fiedlie, to submitt to this restraint of my wonted libertie. 
No rationall persuasions can effecte this over grace ; and 
grace onlie can doe it. My choyce of creatures, I can, 
without anay, the least anxietie or doubtfulnesse of mynd, 
leave you to God, even your own God, as to the spirituall 
and eternall interests of your precious and immortall 
soul, which is his, is his, is doubtlesse his, as being brought 
with a pryce, a pryce of the best and most precious 
blood that ever was shed, even the blood of the Person 
that is God ; as your bodie also is, thoughe I find more 
difficultie to quyet myselfe, as to the welfare of that, so 
far as unworthie and wretched I am concerned in it ; as 
to anay thing that doeth or can befall you in the out- 
ward man will all be blest and sanctified to you in him, 
in whom you are blest with all spiritual blessings, and 



132 



LETTER XXXVII. 



1664. 



throughe whom all thinges will work together for your 
good ; and all thinges are yours, health and sicknesse, 
trouble and freedome from trouble, life and death, thinges 
present, and thinges to come, as to the good of them ; 
because you are Chryst's, all thinges are thus yours. I 
flatter you not, my dear soul, I dar not, in these thinges, 
allow myself to doe so. I hope T speak the truth in Chryst, 
and lie not, I have had sixteen years' try all of your way, 
lay yourselfe quyetlie on his blessed knie, (he will not, I 
assure^ be angrie,) when you are to goe throughe this ap- 
proaching try all, as you wolde doe on the knie of the 
dearest and warmest friend in the worlde. Take with 
guilt, humblie and confidentlie betake yourselfe to him, 
without the least suspicione of his sure love and gracious 
acceptance and welcome, under the pain of his displeasure 
who hath pledged his faithfull word for your kind recep- 
tione, " Him that cometh to me I will in nowayes cast out." 
My dear, my dear, my dear, I desyre to leave you on 
him, and to committ you to him as to a faithfull Creator, 
who will handle you gentile in your strait, and whose 
sweet fellowship will be a thousand tymes better ; but what 
speake I of thousands ? it will be incomparablie, inex- 
pressiblie, inconceavablie, yea, infinitelie, better to you 
then poore, emptie, uselesse, unprofitable, and insignifi- 
cant myne. Deal for and expecte it. Now, my own heart, 
I desyre to blesse the Lord for you, you have bein to me 
indeed a meet and faithfull helpe, and if I had more im- 
proved your fellowship and counsel^ your discreet and 
wise counsel!, I am not ashamed to say it to you, I might 
have thriven better as a man, as a Christian, and as a 
minister. He might verie justlie, for my sin, depryve me 
of such a wyfe, such a mother, such a freind, such a coun- 



1(364. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



133 



cellour, yea, of all relations, sweetlie centered in such a 
one. The good Lord, for Chryst's sake, pardon all my 
transgressions, all the wronges I have done to him, and 
all the wronges I have done to you. I have bein in many 
thinges an undutifull husband to a most dutiful! wyfe ; 
forgive me, my dear heart. [Here a line and a half is 
scored out.] I acknowledge and confesse to you, accord- 
ing to the Apostle's precepte, James v., " Confesse your 
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you 
may be healed," pray for me — [here four lines are scored 
out] — to him to bringe us together again, after thiswhyle's 
separatione, for his good cause, and let me beseeche, nay, 
even obtest you, by all the bondes of affectione that are 
betwixt us — [here a line and more is scored out]— keepe 
this letter by you, that 1 may see it when I call for it, for 
this effecte. Alace, what will this doe when all is done, if 
the fear and dread of the Most Highe God doe not re- 
strain ! yet he may blesse it as a mean, My dear, pitie 
an affectionate thoughe a worthlesse husband, and our poor 
litle ones, and have a care of your health. Let me know 
how you are served ; and how Sarah a carries herself, and 
what she is doing. Let hir goe out ten dayes to Glander- 
stone, b so she back some tyme before ye be brought to 
bed, that she may a litle converse with your brother's 
daughters, and learne how to carie hirselfe before stran- 
gers, and give hir directiones to observe all that's inst- 
able in them. It's fitt also that she learn to ryde, feall 
not to it, thoughe she heth been some tyme in Quarrel- 
towne already. I am loathe the motions of selling your 



a Afterwards Mrs Principal Dunlop. 

b Her grandfather's place, (Mrs John Car's taires being- a daughter of William 
Mure of Glanderston.) 



134 



LETTER XXXVII. 



1664. 



house should die. Therefore, my advyce is, (that you 
may not seem verie desirous to part with it, and yett may 
keepe life in the businesse,) that you tell James Hamil- 
toune (whom I kindlie salute and thanke for his kindnesse 
to you) that you did wreat to me anent that matter, what 
wis offered by Bedlay, and what ye sought, and that I 
have referred it to him, thoughe he be Bedlay's nighe 
freind, to determine in it, whiche I hereby doe, ye in the 
meantyme ingenuously showing him what we have ex- 
pended more in reall mony then the twenty-six hundred 
merks. I know, as he will not wronge Bedlay, so he will 
not wronge us. Send thir letters away. Keepe the two 
longe ones some few dayes by you before you deliver 
them, and if you please read them, and then close them. 
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you ! I am, my 
dearest heart, your own, 

Mr J. Carstaires. 

Let me know, as nighe as ye can, the tyme when ye 
thinke ye will be brought to bed. I know you will have a 
Robert, a if a son, and I give you heartilie your will. If 
two sons, ye know how to call them ; if a son and 
a daughter, ye know ; if two daughters, Marget and 
Agnes. 

If Mistresse Cunninghame, Bedline's daughter, Mr 
William Cunninghame's wyfe, come and visit you at Glas- 
gow, see that ye make hir verie welcome, and be verie 
kinde to hir. Your sister, the lady, b respects hir; they have 
bein in this country this longe tyme. I wolde have wreat- 

a Robert, after Mr Robert M'Ward, whom, in another letter, he calls dear, 
even as a womb-born brother. 

b Probably Lady Ralston, i, e. Mrs Ralston of Ralston. 



1664. 



C ARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



135 



ten, and indeed had thoughts to have wreaten to Provost 
Porterfield his wyfe, before I receaved that ; but it heth 
stopped ray mouth. If there had bein but one, it might 
have looked lyke a token, but two looke lyke somewhat 
else. I wishe hir heartilie well, thoughe that had not 
bein done. Make my apologie to hir, I am especiallie 
bound to hir for hir kindness to you. Will a will directe my 
letter to you. 

Ye have not so much as desyred me to salute Captain 
Brown, who went with me to another kingdome ; nor his 
wyfe, who so willinglie suffered him, in your name, ye 
have, I know, forgotten. Let me know if Mistresse 
Magdalene be married, and if ye have anay word of Mr 
John Sibbald. Fear Mr Robert's extream hazard for 
that prisane. Let be advertised to hyde by all means. 

My dear, I desyre that till we meet again, we keep one 
hour everie Saturday night, betwixt fyve and six o'clock, 
to remember one another and our children, with the worke 
of God and his people, in prayer to him. 

The Laird of Dunlop heth pleased to undertake pre- 
sentlie to send in a boy to you with these letters when he 
goes home, that your answer may be returned with the 
boat, whiche will not stay. Send the copy of that peece 
letter anent Kintyre, wreaten to my Lady Argyle. It's 
lyke I will not have occasion of longe tyme to wreat to 
you. Farewell, farewell, my dear. If Mr James Slirline 
will adventure that you may essay, I know you will have 
Robert. 

For Mistresse Car stair es^ 
these. 



* William, his son, afterwards Principal Carstaires of Edinburgh. 



136 LETTER XXXVIII. 1664. 



LETTER XXXVIIL 

The Same to the Same. 

September 7, 1664. 

My Dearest Heart, — It wolde have refreshed me not 
a little if, at this tyme, I could have had accesse to wait 
on you, who hes many a tyme, with more than ordinarie 
care and kindnesse, waited on me in everie litle bit of pain 
or sickness I have bein visited with since our meeting to- 
gether ; but I desyre to reverence, and silentlie to submitt 
unto the otherwayes disposing sovereign Providence of 
God, who easilie can, and I hope graciouslie will, make 
up to you the want of such a poor emptie creature com- 
fort. He hath bein this whyle past wyselie training, and 
sweetlie necessitating you to make up that small want in 
his own blessed and all-sufficient selfe, whom I hope you 
have found some tymes since I saw you, to be all in all, 
and his covenant to be all your salvatione and all your 
desyre ; so that, as to other things, you have bein made 
upon the matter to say, / have all ; I abound, and am full. 
My deare, you are not alone, the Father is with you; covet 
and pryse his company. He will not let you be without 
it when you most need it ; hear, observe, believe, and 
wonder, at what he says to you, Fear thou not, for I am 
with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I will 
strengthen, yea, I will helpe thee, yea, I will upholde thee 
with the right hand of my righteousness. Fear not, for I 
have redeemed thee ; I have called thee by thy name ; thou 



1664. 



CARSTA1RES TO HIS WIFE. 



137 



art myne. When thou passest throughe the waters I will 
be with thee, and throughe the rivers they shall not over- 
flow thee ; when thou walk est through the fyre thou shalt 
not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 
Nay he sayes, which it may be you will blesse and tremble 
to hear, ! woman, greatlie beloved, fear not ; or if sense 
of guilt and unworthienesse make you somewhat to sink 
below a capacitie of making humblie confident application 
to your selfe of such verie great words [as these,] (whiche 
yet, I am persuaded, the good Lord speaks to you, and 
allows you to believe he is in good earnest with you in 
speaking of them ;) blesse him that such words have roum 
in the Scriptures [as these,] To him that worketh not, but 
believeth in him thai justifieth the ungodlie 9 is his faith 
accounted for righteousness, O ! admirabhe condescend- 
ing, and sweetlie seasonable words ! whither wolde we 
have looked, and to what hand wolde we have turned our 
selves, if these wordes, and such as these, had not stood in 
his blessed booke. Make use of them as a stronge cordiall 
against fainting, under the sense of much guilt, and goe 
on in the strength of the Lord, making mention of his 
righteousness, even of his onlie ; though you have not a 
bratt of your own righteousnesse to cover you, that the 
shame of your nakedness doe not appear, yet this whyt 
raiment, this fine white linning, which is the righteousness 
of saints, this absolutelie perfect and everlasting right- 
eousnesse of Jehovah our righteousness, will compleatlie 
cover you, even from top to toe. Wrappe yourselfe in it. 
Blessed ! O blessed, for ever, be God, that hath provyded 
such a righteousnesse, making him to be sin for you, even 
for you, that ye might become the righteousnesse of God 
throughe him. My choyce of creatures, and one of the 



138 



LETTER XXXVIII. 



1664. 



excellent ones of the earth, I desyred, now and then, to re- 
member you to-day, it being the first of those you named 
to me in your last, to which you did reckone ; but I can 
doe nothing that way. Well is me that you have an in- 
finitlie more faithfull and affectionati remembrancer and 
Intercessor, who cannot, who will not forgett you, having 
you engraven upon the palmes of his hands ; that great 
and fealing High-priest doeth carie you on the breast of 
his love, and on the shoulders of his power — and O ! but 
my dear lyes sweetlie, softlie, and securelie there ! I wishe 
you a thousand kisses of that most sweet mouth, and that 
his left hand may be under your head, and that his right 
hand may embrace you ; your life and health be precious 
in his sight. The Lord blesse you, and the fruit of your 
wombe, and provyde the blessing of the breastes for the 
same. I have to supplie my roum with you, desyred 
that your sweet and worthie neece, a who hath been singu- 
larlie tender of me all this whyle, should be sent alonge 
to you, from which nather herself nor her kinde relations 
were averse, (whose kindnesse to us I wish the Lord may 
remember.) Iknow you haveacomplacenciein hirhumour, 
(and, indeed, it's sweet,) and she hath hir own great re- 
specte for you. The Lord has graciouslie condescended 
unexpectedlie to remove some obstructions out of the way 
of hir coming to you, whiche is a great ease to my mynd. 
O ! but he is full of compassion and verie good, and doeth 
all things well. I wes somewhat fixed in my resolutione 
whatever might have been the hazard, if she had not win, 
to have waited on you (who are more then the halfe of my 
lyfe) my selfe, but she will be much more usefull. I 
committ you, therefore, to his government whollie, as to 

* Miss Ursula Ralston. 



l()64. CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 139 

your civet, and see that ye take hir as supplieing my place ; 
and in all these thinges be obedient to hir as ye wolde be 
to me. See, my dear heart, that ye have a speciall care 
of yourselfe, you know you have much to doe. I defy 
you, as you threatened me in your last, to drown me in 
debt, doe your best. Now, my heart, it seems it will be 
fitt, all things considered, that if the Lord give you a liv- 
ing son, you call his name Gavin. I desyre you may doe 
so, if it will not cross you ; as I hope it will not. You may 
afterwards, when you recover health and strength, wreat 
your apologie to Mr Robert, a as you will well enoughe 
doe. I think, if the chylde be lyvelie, you may suspend 
the baptisme some dayes, till you be in case to hear and 
someway to holde the chylde in your arms your selfe, to 
offer it to the Lorde, and that it may receave the seal of 
his covenant. I wolde think it fitt (if you doe so) that 
you did putt forth the chyld to the fostering, if you can 
gett a cleanlie, wholesome, kinde, and faithfull person for 
that use. The Lord directe. I will trouble you no further. 
Now the good-will of Him that dwelt in the bush be to 
you. I am, myne own dear heart, yours, yours. 

My dear, if you think it will be longe to suspend the 
cbyld's baptisme till you can sit up a little in your bed, 
you may let your sister present it, and yourselfe take on 
the ingadgements for Christian educatione, whilk I desyre 
you to doe in myne and your own name ; wherein I shall 
endeavour, through the strength of the Lord's grace, to 
joyne with you. I think, if a son, he must be Gavin. 
Have a care of your kindest neece when you are in case. 



a Mr Robert M'Ward, 



140 LETTER XXXVIII. 1664. 

September 13. 

My dear, Providence hath ordered some obstructione 
since the 7th day of this month, but I hope the worthie 
bearer shall come seasonablie to you. I will not trouble 
you to read more words ; onlie, in a word, my heart some 
way is more with you than with my selfe, but that is a 
poor businesse. The thoughtes of heart of God are to- 
wards you, and all the thoughts of peace, and not of evil, 
to give you an expected end. The desyre of the Desire 
of the nations is towards you. Grace, from the God of 
all grace, be with you ; and out of the fullnesse of grace 
that is in Jesus, mete you receave grace for grace ! Fare- 
well, my dearest, farewell, and remember your wellwisher, 

Mr J. C. 

The Laird hath sent his own scout of purpose with his 
daughter. All this is great kindnesse, what shall I say of 
it ? Be kinde to William Ralstoun ; he helped to bring me 
out of Ireland. 

For Mistresse Carstaires, 
these. 



1064. PROBABLY M 4 WARD TO MRS CARSTAIRES. 141 



LETTER XXXIX. 

Probably M i Ward to Mrs Car st aires. 

September 9-19, 1664. 

My Very Deare Friend, — Yours of the 20th of 
August I received the last week, which was most accept- 
able and exceeding refreshfull to me. If I could, I 
would blesse the Lord for the account ye give me of your 
precious friend. I long much for one lyne from him, if 
it were never so short, which ye may easily convey by 
post, within some letter. I blesse him also who gives you 
so much satisfaction in your lot, and who helpes you to 
beare the sweet and easy crosse of Chryst. As for your 
complaints, I can say little to them ; but it may be he is 
making you fat with hunger. As for what ye desires 
concerning the person ye wrot of, he is very sensible of 
your kindness ; and though he would be glad to doe what 
ye desire upon another account, yet he is not apprehen- 
sive that these persons would trouble themselves to flay 
such a corse. I beseech you cause some writ to me how 
ye are brought to bed ; for I will be anxious to heare of it. 
I hope ye shall not misse an absent husband, and I hope 
also that he will have mercy upon his suffering and ab- 
sent servant, in being kind to you. Remember me dearly 
to your worthy friend, when ye writ to him. His friends 
here mind him, and are singularly comforted with his ca- 
riage, and the report of his Master's kindnesse to him. 
Remember me to your sister and all friends. Grace, 



142 



LETTER XL. 



1604. 



grace be multiplied upon you ! I am, my deare friend, 
yours. 

Writ to me how your sweet children are, and how your 
sister's children are. 

Show your deare friend that I cannot writ to him, be- 
cause of the want of an occasion by sea. Send a token 
from me to Mr Ralph and his wife. Ye know what I 
mean. 

This for the truly worthie and much respected 
Mistresse Car stakes, in Glasgow. 

[Dr Steven, who is well acquainted with M' Ward's handwriting, says that he 
has not a doubt that he was the writer of this letter.] 

LETTER XL. 

Car stair es to Mrs Durham. 

October 26, 1664. 

My Worthie and Verie Dear Sister, — I have ta- 
ken this occasion verie kindlie to salute you, and heartilie 
to thank you for your care of our dear freind with you, 
and for the particular account you gave us of God's deal- 
ing with hir and the children, wherein he heth bein pleased 
exceedinglie to condescend to us. I had, at this time by 
ordinarie, severall feares on manay accounts, whiche were 
heightened and fostered by much dreadfull guilt and in- 
credible unsuitablenesse to all the dispensationes the 
Church of God and my selfe have bein under. But he 
hath sweetlie disappoynted all these feares, and verie 
much gone beyond my expectatione. Oh, but the power 



1664. 



CAR ST AIRES TO MRS DURHAM, 



143 



of the Lord be great to pardon. He is a God that mul- 
tiplies to pardoun ; nay, he is a God of pardouns ; and 
who is a God lyke unto him in pardouning iniquitie ? 
Blessed, for ever, be God, that his name heth bein pro- 
claimed, and that proclamatione registered in the Scrip- 
tures, "The Lord, the Lord, gracious and mercifull, long- 
suffering, abundant in goodnesse and truth, keeping mer- 
cie for thousands, and forgiving iniquitie, transgression, 
and sin. This is his name, and this is his memoriall to 
all the generations of his people." This shallowe and per- 
verselie rebellious heart of myne heth bein besieged and 
beleagoured, as it were, by a multitude of verie conde- 
scending and litle terrible providences for a longe tyme. 
I desyre to longe for a day of willing and chearfull sur- 
render and giving up the fortresse and strongholde to that 
valiant conqueror, blessed Jesus, who heth, since the first 
leaping out of our father Adam's house into rebellioun, 
taken in and subdued multitudes of strongeholdes, gar- 
risoned castles, and strongelie walled and fortified cities, 
walled in a manner up to heaven, wherein dwelt stronge, 
masterfull, and gyant-like corruptiones, tal as the children 
of Anak, and heth made breaches in and broken down 
these walls, levelling them with the ground, and heth made 
these invincible-lyke inhabitants fall down before him y 
and to groan with the groanings of a deadlie wounded man, 
O, that he may, with his croun on his head, with sword on 
his thighe, mounted on his whyte horse, yet goe forth, not 
onlie through Brittaine and Ireland, and the rest of the but 
scarcelie reformed churches, but throughe the whole 
worlde, conquering and to conquer, treding doun all op- 
positione in his way, overturning the thrones of the Turk 
and Antichryst, and all the supporters thereof : that the 



144 



LETTER XL. 



16G4. 



question may be putt, " Who is this that cometh from Edom, 
with dyed garmentsfrom Bozra; this that is glorious in his 
apparel, travelling in the greatnesse of his strength ?" and 
may be answered, "I, that speak in righteousnesse, mightie 
to save." The question putt again : " Why art thou rid in 
thyne apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth 
in the wine-fat ?" and replyed to, 66 I have troden the wine- 
press ; I will trample them in myne anger, and tread them 
in my furie, and their blood shall be sprinkled on my gar- 
ments ; and I will stain all my rayment." Jehovah prosper 
all his warlike designes, and further his conqueist, even till 
the kinges of the East joyne with him, and the beast and 
the false prophet be taken alyve and cast into that lake, 
and the armies of Gog and Magog, the onlie relicks of 
all his enemies' forces, be defeat by fyre from heaven, and 
the devil, that deceaved them, be cast into the lake of fire 
and brimstone, with the boasted false prophet, to be tor- 
mented for ever and ever. O, that poor, sinfull 5 and re- 
bellious I had it to say and singe, to the commendatione 
of this mightie Conqueror, whose name is King of kings 
and Lord of lords, now he heth prevailed, and shewed 
himself stronger than I. If my heart be taken in, I 
knowe no holde under heaven that can keep out whiche 
he heth a mynd to take. Now, dear sister, I again 
kindelie thank you for all your kindnesse to me and myne. 
The Lord bless you, and be making you more and more 
meet everie day to partake of the inheritance of the saints 
in light, and return to you, according to your kindnesse, 
first and last, shewed to unworthie me, good measure, 
heaped and shaken togither, and running over. I know 
you will be comfortable to hir. Bid hir be chearfull in 
the Lord. It might easilie have bein worse with us. 



1664. CARSTAIRES TO MRS DURHAM. 145 

Sinfull complyance to evite suffering wolde have been an- 
other thinge. It will be fitt she setle (according to the 
unsetled state of thinges, and of our familie) somewhere, 
whereabout I am to wreat to hir. And I hope, before 
you sunder, you will fitt your accounts that you be not 
burdened. I desyre not that — especiallie since the Lord 
pleases to keepe us in capacitie to subsist beyonde manay 
an honest minister in Scotland, that scarce heth bread. I 
must putt you to the trouble of saluting kindlie in my 
name, in the congregatione I had charge of, Doctor Rat- 
ray and his wyfe, Susanna Hamiltoun, Janet Rid, by whom 
I desyre and expecte to be remembered, Thomas Lockart's 
wyfe, olde Janet Mitchell, and hir daughter, Lois Welshe, 
John Hall, your olde servant, Janet Allasone, whom Hiked 
well. Tell such of them as in Christian discretione ye 
thinke stands in need, in my name, that the report of their 
spirituall welfare and seriousnesse in seeking God wolde 
verie much refresh my soul. Anay other of the congre- 
gation ye know, salut them from me, as if I had named 
them .• and bid them remember how they hard and re- 
ceaved. Let them repent, and holde fast. I kindlie salut 
that old disciple, Janet Stuart, and honest Jean Cham- 
bers, whom I hope you have not suffered to be behinde at 
this tyme. Let me know how Mr John Spruell and John 
Johnston are, and what they intend about them ; if they 
be still prisoners. Salute them muche in the Lorde, in my 
name, and desyre them to be of good chear. It's no 
doubt muche better to suffer, if the will of God be so, for 
well-doing than for evil-doing. There is no strange 
thinge befallen them, but what hath been already fortolde 
by the Lord, and is accomplished in the rest of their bre- 
threin that are in the worlde. O, when will the olde spirit 

K 



146 



LETTER XL. 



1664. 



of the primitive Chrystians,who have gone from counsells 
with sore skins, rejoycing that they were accounted wor- 
thie to suffer shame for the name of Jesus, be revived 
anew ? and when will we look upon these exhortations ? 
c< My brethren, count it all for joy when ye shall fall into 
divers tentations. Rejoyce, inasmuch as ye are partakers 
of Chryst's sufferings. If anay man suffer as a Chrystian, 
let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God on that 
behalfe ;" and other such, as including no impossibilities, 
but necessarie, sweet, and, throughe grace, practicable 
duties, and upon these assertions, " Blessed are they that 
are persecuted for righteousnesse sake " Blessed are ye 
when men shall revyle you, and persecute you, and shall 
say all manner of evil falselie against you, for my name 
sake ;" 6i Blessed is the man that indureth tentatione 
" If ye be reproached for the name of Chryst, happie are 
ye and such lyke, as no compliments, but as realities, 
and as faithfull and true sayings of God. Good Lord ! 
forgive our sinfull fainting in the day of adversitie, by 
which it appeareth our streingth is but small. I should 
speak with principall reference to myself. Thoughe I 
cannot remember them to anay purpose, I desyre not to 
forget them. Now grace, grace from the God of all 
grace, who heth called you to eternall glorie by Jesus 
Chryst, be with you! I am, dearest sister, your own affec- 
tionate brother and obliged servant, 

[Name cut away.] 

Sister, you will please to call for Walter Roxburge, and 
see if he be free, and if he wolde come to Kintyre to teach 
a litle school, where I think he will get bread. It will be 
a good reteerment for him, at such a tyme. He may 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



147 



come over, and start presentlie with this same boat, and 
advyse, when he is come, what he will doe. He may goe 
to the Woodsyde ; there are some to come thence hither. 
He wolde not communicat his purpose to anay person till 
once he be gone, because it may be prejudiciall to himself 
and others also. 

For my worthie and dear Sister, 
Mistresse Durham, at Glasgow, 
these. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " Mr Jo. Carstaires, in Cantyre, to Mrs Dur- 
ham."] 



LETTER XLI. 

Mr John Carstaires to his Wife. 

November I, 1664. 

My Verie Dear Heart, — Having the occasion of this 
honest and kind bearer, (who belyke will see you,) I must 
needs salute you, and tell you that I have my own longing 
to see a lyne under your hand, whiche I hope will be satis- 
fied one of these dayes. I desyre not that the mercie of 
your preservatione, and of the comelie proposition of the 
children, and of other sweetlie concurring Providences, 
about you and them, should wear out of deat with me, 
according to my sinfull manner. I have not bein at any 
tyme more full of feares, nor had I ever greater cause, from 
much guilt ; but he, being full of compassion, heth pitied 



148 



LETTER XL I . 



1664. 



me, and sweetlie dissipated the thicke and dark cloud of 
my fears and jealousies. O ! that I wer in a holie pusle 
putt to say, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
benefits towards me, which proceed from most absolute, 
sovereigne, and purelie free grace ? In truth, according to 
his own heart heth he done all this, and what can I say 
more ! but well wer me if, by all this goodness of his and 
longe-suffering patience, I wer at last led unto and keeped 
at the kindlie exercise of repentance. I desyre, since he 
heth keeped you, and not smitten the cheldren, and so 
keeped off me that which I someway feared, to be helped 
to lay my account for some other peece of tryall ; I know 
not what it will be, but whatever it shall be, the good Lord 
sanctifie it when it comes, and keep my sin out of it. I 
can not well tell how it comes, but I have bein and still 
am but litle throughlie anxious and carefull about myselfe, 
notwithstanding of these news keeping me in remem- 
brance. The Lord remember me for good ; and it may be 
he will think on these men, according to their workes, that 
wolde putt me in fear. No outward thinge in the worlde 
doeth so much trouble me, as that I am not like to get 
leave to live with you ; but let him doe in this and other 
thinges as seemeth good in his eyes. I hope you have, 
before this, rid us of the cumber of that house on the best 
tearms ye could, and if ye could upon no other then what 
was offered at first, it will not displease me ; for it seems 
severall wayes convenient for us to quit it. I wrote my 
mynd before anent it, and will trouble you no more about 
it now. Refer differences to James Hamiltoun, whom I 
kindlie remember. You may call for a sight of that letter 
I wrote to the elders from Thomas Paterson, and when 
ye have gote it keepe it to yourselfe, it not being fitt it 



1664. 



CARST AIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



149 



should be seen but by such to whom it was directed. 
Send me anay band stringes ye have of myne there. 
Send me also, when ye get a convenient occasion, my 
iron chandler . . into the wall by a fi . . with a 
pair of coarse sixpennie candleshears. If you come to the 
Woodsyde, bringe my candle with you. You may bring 
also that box of my bookes that wes set by, if you can get 
it convenientlie carried ; but by all means see that it be 
kept verie dry, the least weatness will much prejudice me. 
I verie kindlie salute your sister and neece, to whom I 
promised a loan of you, if she need, when she shall have 
such service of you as you have now had of hir, which I 
wishe may be, as you know the old man said, both soon 
and shortlie, but yet well. Remember me kindlie to Heugh a 
and kind Jean Chambers. 1 remember your daughters 
and the goodwife of the Milhouse when ye see her. Fare- 
well. My dear, I am, your own, while myne, 

JOHNE JAMESONE. 

Let me hear of all occurrents from you. I hear almost 
nothinge here. 

For my worthy friend, 
Mistresse Carstaires, at Glasgow, 
these. 



a Probably Hugh Binning-, 



150 



LETTER XLII. 



1664. 



LETTER XLII. 

The Same to the Same. 

November 2, 1664. 

My Dearest Heart, — I wrote a lynetoyou yesterday, 
and yet, having the occasione of this bearer, I must needs 
salute you ; this mediat way of correspondence with you 
someway making up the want of your more immediat 
societie, whereof to be so longe depryved doeth some- 
what afflicte me. O ! if it were the want of the edifica- 
tione, and spirituall advantage of your fellowship that 
did mainlie trouble me ; but that it is not this, can there 
be a more convincing evidence than this, that I can with 
much more ease, and much lesse reluctation, comport with 
the want of his own blessed presence and fellowship, in 
the injoyment of whiche, and not of yours my dear, how 
dear to me soever, my happiness lyeth. This sometymes 
makes fear that ather I will be altogether depryved of 
your fellowship, or that throughe my, onlie my, corrup • 
tione, I shall be bereft of muche of the sweet of it. Pray, 
O ! pray, my own heart, that he wolde prevent this, and 
that he wolde be graceouslie pleased to make me so spirit- 
uall, and once to be in ease to practice that great poynt 
in religione spoken of 1 Cor. vi. 12, and vii. 29, 30, 31, 
and Gal. vi. 14. When will I learne to see that no thinge 
out of him is desyrable, and that everie thinge whiche is 
desyrable is in him ; to enjoy all my enjoyments in him, 
and to enjoy him in all my enjoyments. Alace ! I have 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



151 



heerd the report of such thinges, and can speake, and yet 
but verie rawlie, some words about them, but the thinges 
are great mysteries in my experience and practice. I 
cannot say, 6< As I have hard, so have I seen and found." 
O ! if it wer all wreaten upon me with his hand ! My 
dear, have a speciall care of your selfe, even for the poor 
cast out man's sake, and essay to be chearfull in the Lord. 
Be not anxious nor carefuil about anay thinge. I hope 
the Lord careth for you. Cast, therefore, all your care 
on him, even roll your burdens on him. I dar not, for 
your ease, for fear of troubling your sister, who heth bein 
too muche troubled with us alreadie, overture the conve- 
nience of leaving the chyld with the nurse with hir in the 
town this winter. You may think of it. It wolde be an 
ease to you, especiallie in this tyme of our unsettlement ; 
but the Lord will, I hope, directe. Ye will not forget 
to fitt accounts with hir before you sunder, that she be not 
hurt. I give hir a hint of this in my last. Let me know 
if Mr Sinclar doeth still continou in the exercise of his 
ministrie. I salute your sister and neece kindlie. Allfreinds 
here are well. Grace be with you. I am, my dear, your 
own, John Jamesone. 

If these balls be not come from St Andrews, whiche I 
am sure you have long since sent the money for, buy three 
or four at Glasgow, from James Lies, the best he heth, 
till they come. Pay not too dear for them ; a groat is 
enough. 

I kindlie salute Mr William Weir and his wife, and 
Mr Henrie Lawsyde, if you use to see him. It's lyke ye 
have not goten that tobacco. Let me know if a letter to 
Mr Robert could be goten safelie conveyed thither. 



152 



LETTER XLIII. 



1664. 



November 7. 

My dear, I kindlie salute you, and will you to know that 
John Clarks did not tooch here as was expected, so I can 
say no thinge anent sending the aquavitae or my candle 
with hir, as I desyred, not knowing who the boatman are. 
You may advyce with your neece in that case. Farewell, 
heartilie, my dearest. 

For my worthie freind, 
Mistresse Carstaires, at Glasgow, 
these. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " Mr Jo. Carstares, in Cantyre, to his 
Wife."] 



LETTER XLIII. 
The Same to the Same. 

November 17, 1664. 

My Dearest Heart, — Thoughe it's lyke you are, or at 
least may be, surfetted with saluts, yet having the occa- 
sione of the sweet bearer, I can not let it pass. I must 
now overture to you the convenience of dismissing your 
worthie and sweet neece, whose fellowship heth, I know, 
at this tyme bein singularlie usefull and refreshing unto 
you. William Ralstoun is now gone over, and some other 
of the laird's servants are to come from the Woodsyde, 
who will wait on hir. Besyde that, I suppose she will, if 
you be perfectlie recovered, be expected at this tyme, so 
it's lyke she will not have such a convenience afterward. 



1664. 



CARSTA1RES TO HIS WIFE. 



153 



I have thought that it wer fitt your neece had some 
litle token of our great respecte ; but you may let it alone 
till the Lord order our meeting togither. Your freinds 
here have sometyme spoken of your making a visit hither, 
where you wer never, but I dar not advyse to it, nay, not 
so much as peremptorilie desyre it, when I consider the 
season of the year, your late great weaknesse, with the 
weight of your charge, and other thinges. I account it a 
favor, now and then to get myselfe keeped from precipi- 
tant desyres of being with you, or having you with me, for 
which 1 was, the laste year, severall wayes reprooved. I 
desyre to be helped to comitt you and myself, in all our 
motions, to the leading of him who is given to be a Leader 
to his people. I leave all our litle outward concernments 
on you, without anay allowed anxietie, desyring to blesse 
the good Lord, from whom I have obtained favour in 
sending a good wife, in whom the heart of her husband 
may surely trust. You may informe your neece of all 
particulars ye wolde have me acquainted with, and whiche 
ye wolde be troubled to wreat. I heartilie salute you, 
precious sister, and am, my verie dear, your own, 

John Jameson. 

For Mistresse Car stair es, 
at Glasgow, 
these, 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " Mr Jo. Carstares, in Cantyre, to his 
Wife."] 



154 



LETTER XLIV. 



1664. 



LETTER XLIV. 

The Same to the Same. 

December 10, 1664. 

My Dearest Heart, — I have taken this occasion yet 
once more to salute you before you goe from thence. I 
did this night eight nights, at our appoynted hour, essay 
to submitt, if it should soe please the infinitlie wise and 
gracious God, to a flnall divorce from you ; and, in some 
measure for the tyme, it went with me ; I assure you, 
not from anay, the least diminutione of my wonted dear re- 
specte for you, that everie day I think growes ; but, alace ! 
these are verie rare and verie quick lie transient fitts, they 
but look to me, and speak a word or two with me, and 
are forthwith gone ; and I am much where I was, as loath 
to sunder as ever. I wolde think I had a considerable 
victory over myselfe if I wer dead to you, the thing in this 
world I find most difficultlie practicable. 

My dear, I never found so much as now, 
How hard a thing it is to part with you ; 
To quitt you, now and then I have resolved, 
But when it comes to act, all's quite dissolved. 

Sometymes I wolde resign you to the Lord, 
Yet loathe I am he take me at my word. 
It sure requyres of grace no measure small, 
To have a wife, as I had none at all. 

The grace that heth wrought wonders upon the hearts 



1664. 



CARSTAIRES TO HIS WIFE. 



155 



of many, can work this upon myne. O ! to be in case to 
say to blessed Jesus, Master, I have left all, and followed 
thee. This I ought to be at, and if it be not singlie 
aimed at, and in some measure, through grace, seriouslie 
endeavoured, he heth plainly told me I am not wwthie of 
him, nather can I be his disciple. I find it easie to forme 
notions of these thinges, to descourse, to preach, and pray 
of them, be it is to practise them. Light will do much in 
the one, but here life and spirit, and quickening influence, 
are absolutlie necessarie. I hope that, throughe a greater 
measure of notification, you find lesse difficultie to be with- 
out me, and pleasantlie to submitt to the Lord's ordering 
this while's separatioun. I desyre to blesse him on your 
behalfe, that heth in your last tryall condescended to let 
you misse no creature ; a litle of him will, indeid, goe verie 
far, and fill verie much voyd roum. I cannot tell you, my 
own heart, what a mercie it is to me, at this tyme, that I 
am not, on all occasions, necessitated to deal with you, 
that ye wolde not freatt and be discontent ; such a lot 
wolde, belike, have altogether crushed my spirit. Let me 
again intreat you, by the love you bear to me and my 
children, that ye will have a care of your health, even 
much more then if I wer with you. When you goe to 
Edinburgh, looke for some warm commodious roumes 
for yourselfe, and I hope you have seen to that alreadie. 
Ye cannot well expecte to hear so often from me there, 
nor, it may be, it were scarcelie fitt anay where ; for I have 
overcharged and oppressed you with letters this good 
whyle past ; but let me hear as often from you hereafter 
as you have done from me heretofore. The Lord's 
richest grace be with you, and in everie place provide 



156 



LETTER XLIV. 



1664. 



suitable comfort for you. I am, my verie dear heart, 
yours while myne own. 

If you think fitt to send anay tocken that I may give 
your sweet neece, you may doe it. Remember my candle 
and chandler. Send a pair of my hare soles for our best 
friend. Send these litle paper bookes with the wormwood 
wine. Forget not Gavin's gouff-balls. 

Dec. 12. 

My dear, visit the Lady Aikenhead, and salute hir 
kindlie in my name, and deliver this letter to be sent 
to hir husband, the Laird, with a sure friend, and without 
letting so much as one person know from whom it came. 
I have bein longe purposed, even these four or fyve 
months past, to wreat this other letter, which you may 
read, and if you thinke it not necessarie or not expedient 
to deliver it, you may forbear. It's lyke somewhat from 
some hand to this purpose is called for, but I refer it to 
your determination. O ! if the Lord wolde blesse it, if it 
shall be delivered. If anay mony be offered to you by 
anay from our best freind, as the last year's interest, receate 
none till we have counted for what monys are expended 
by him for my use, I doe verie kindlie salute your sister. 
Seal not Aikenhead's letter with my own seal, but with 
some others. Farewell, my dear, fare everie way well. 

For my verie dear Sister , Mistresse Car stair es, 
at Glasgow, 
these. 



[Endorsed by Mr Mackay — " Mr John Carstaires, in Cantyre, to his Wife."] 



1665. 



MRS CARSTAIRES TO HER HUSBAND. 



157 



LETTER XLV. 



Mrs Car stair es to her Husband. 



My Dearest and Most Kynd Frind, — It was refresh- 
ing to me to hav a lyn from you, but it trubled me to 
fined you so heavie. He doeth well who hath found it 
meet to put us in heaviness for a season, finding that ther 
was need of it. It did wound me when I read, that in 
yours, your not being advers to com hear, which is thought 
by your freinds veri unmeet and unreasonable ; for though 
ye be veri clear as to the caus, yet to cast your slef in 
such eminet hazard is a wrong, and I am persuaded you 
ar not called to it, nay, you are called to the contreyri; so 
hid as weell as you can, and if it pleas the Lord so to 
order ye be fund out, which I wish may not be, I hop he 
shall glorifi himslif in you, and cari you honouribl throu. 
Put not your silf to it whill the Lord bring you to it. I 
hop my request, which is so rasonabl, shall prevaill with 
you. My dear, weari not in wandering, it hath been the 
lot of many of his worthies to wander in caves and dens 
of the earth ; and, altho your acomadosion should be veri 
bad, so that ye cannot go about doueties as ye would, he 
counts your wandering better service to him then your 
preaching. My dear, a littel whill will put ane end to al 
our troubles ; as for ray slif, I had rason always to bles 
the Lord thet ever I knowe you ; and this day I desir to 
blis him mor then ever, that ever I was so nerlie related 
to you ; and that I hau a husband wandering and suffer- 



158 



LETTER XL V.* 



1665. 



ing for the truth. Let us both blis him together, for this. 
He might have given me on that wer persecuting the truth. 
The Lord strengthen and confirm you. That commoditiyou 
desired, it can a ot be gotten now, for present, tho they be 
most welling to give it. I hop the Lord shall provid 
another way ; the bearer weel show you all other things. 
The Lord's blessing and protection be with you, and be 
near your soul with the consolations of his Spirit. Fare- 
well my dear, I am your own, J. C. 

[Without either date or address, but probably written either before any of her 
husband's letters to her, or in 1664 or 1665.] 



LETTER XLV.* 

The Same to the Same. 

My verie Dear Frind, — I shall now only salut you, 
and tel you I am in health and well recovered My child- 
ren ar all well. Littel Robert is a fian child, and out 
at the fusteren besid Hamiltoun. I receaved yours of the 
third of May, and am glad to hear of your welfeir ; no- 
thing being more refreshing to me then to heer of your 
being everi way wel. The Lord hath bein veri kynd to 
me, and tho I want the company of my dearest freinds, 
which I do veri much miss, yet he makes it up in a good 
missur. I cannot writ now as I would, being in hast, and 

a The paper torn here. 



1666. 



MRS CARSTAIRES TO HER HUSBAND. 



159 



not knowing if this shal com to your hand. I am, my 
dear freind, your own frind, as fromally. 

[ Without addressJ] 

January 21. 

[This letter must have been written from Edinburgh or Glasgow, but most pro- 
bably Edinburgh, in June 1665, to Mr Carstaires in hiding, probably at Cantyre, 
on account of the trouble he got into the former year, in the matter of Mr 
Wood.] 



LETTER XLVI. 

The Same to the Same. 

My Dearest Freind, — Altho I know not if this shall 
com to your hand, yet I could not omit the ocasion of 
this bearer kyndly to salut you, and tel you I am in health. 
My sister the Lady a still remaines seek, and is everi day 
weaker and seeker, so that we have littel or no hope of 
her recoverie. She is under great heaviness, much werse- 
ling with misblev, often questouning her interest in God, 
yet not altogether without hopes. She often saying she 
dear not queat gripes of him, and that she dar not but 
hop he will be gracious. You wel easily beleive that it 
is no small peac of affliction to me her seekness and 
feared death. A sad strock to the family, and to us her 
relationes ! But the Lord can do us no wrong ; he can 
bring good out of the sadest peaces of dispensasions. The 

* Mrs Ralston of Ralston. 



160 LETTER XLVII. 1665. 

Lard takes it sadly, and Ursula takes it veri sadly. I 
thought fitt to show you this much of the Ladye's condi- 
sion. She often says, if ye knowe her ease, ye would 
simpathis faithfully with her. My dearest freind, I most 
breck of, being in hast. I am, your own, J. C. 

Your freinds thinks fitt you stay ther til further adver- 
tisement. 

[No address.] 

[Compared with next letter, it is probable that it was written in 1666.] 



LETTER XLVII. 

The Same to the Same. 

August 30. 

My Dearest Freind, — The bearer will shew you how 
all maters heer goes. The West-countrey gentelmen and 
ministers, which were declared rebels, is now forfaited. I 
bliss the Lord it nothing troubles me. A smil from God, 
and he lifting up the light of his countians, can mak up, 
and even doeth mak up, all the injuries men can doe ; so 
that "the lines is fallen to me in a most pleasant place, and 
I have a goodly heritage." I think my lot verie far abov 
the lot of my adversaries ! Blissed be God, who mad the 
defer ; ther being no caus, but even so because it pleased 
him. My dear, let us willingly queat us ta him, and for 
him. We ow him much. How much ar we in his deit, 



1666. MRS CARSTAIRES TO HER HUSBAND. l()i 

who hath added this mercie to all the former mercies, that 
he hes counted us worthie to suffer [for] his name's sake ? 

for grace to be stedfast to the end, and that he would 
graciously pardon our unfaithfulness to him, and to his 
caus and pepoll. Alas ! Zione's condision layeth not 
neer my heart as it should. J. C. 

It heth pleased the Lord to remov my littel gent. 
Robert. He dyed the third of August, on a Saturday. I 
was in my being, as on that day led, in providence to re- 
member him oftener than ones, that the Lord would be 
gracious to him, and mak him his, and I thought the Lord 
som way satisfied me in it. Tho' then I know nothing 
of his sickness. They sent for me ; but he was dyed before 

1 com. Ther is many thinges sader in our lot than the 
death of a child ; yet I had my own heaviness for him. 
My sister a still contanues unwell. The doctour thinks she 
is in great hazard. It will be a sad strock to her family 
and her relationes. She hath longed much for you. Our 
freinds here thinks not fit ye remov out of that country for 
a while- to the place ye intended, for reasons the bearer will 
show you. But you must keep your slives colser [closer] / 
than ye doe. I would have sent you som money with the 
bearer, but your best freind hendered me, and desires cal 
for what mony ye need from our freind. Us. Rn. b and 

I shal give it heer. I have goten all that is dewe of by- 
past anall rent, so I have enough of money. Your son's 
education (?), with his hording and other nesisars, com 
to four houndreth merks, which I have payed. 

My dear, it is lyk ye and I shall not see other for a sea- 
soun. The Lord mak it for both our advantages, and 

a Mrs Ralston. b Most probably Ursula Ralston. 

L 



162 



LETTER XLVIII. 



1668. 



mak up the went of you to me with his own blessed pre- 
sens ! I most brak of, tho I be loth to it, I am, my dear 
frind, your own J. C. 

******** My sister, Mistress Delop, 
is here, a most sad afflicted woman. You would wreat to 
her with the first. That noble Lord receaved yours veri 
kyndly, and when he read it, he weaped, and said he would 
do as he could, but it was but littel. 

[Written most probably after the rising of the West- country gentlemen, under 
Caldwell, in 1666.] 



LETTER XLVIII. 

Anonymous . 

Nov. 4, 1668. 

Dear and Worthie Sir, — I cannot bot hartilie re- 
ceit with thankfulness your kind respecttes to me in your 
letter and other wayes ; and tho' I be not worthie the no- 
ticing by any to be amongst the number of thos that suf- 
fers for Jesus Christ, yet I desyr to cleeve and adher unto 
this persecuted way, which is for his precious name's sake. 
I acknowledge I have abundent grounds to make his tes- 
timonies my song, under this my present lott ; and I have 
founde, in his gracious dealings with me, not only a sweatt 
consistencie, betwixt searchinge, findinge out, and warning 
for my provocationes and sinning ; and joy in the Holy 
Ghost; bot seldome have I teasted of the one, without 



1668, 



ANONYMOUS. 



163 



lesse or more of the other ; and he knowes, who knowes 
my heartt, I desyr no better lyff one this syde heaven, nor 
to be helped by the Lord to joyne morning with my 
mirth one this accompt. And as to the present cais I am 
in, I humblie acknowledge, if I dare thincke of any thinge 
of the Lord's, especiall respect to me one the acomptt of 
that free and riche covenant of his eternall love, that I 
judge myselfF more honored in this my imprisonment, 
(tho not regarded by many,) nor in any thinge that ever 
I was admitted into otherwayes. O the sweet cros of 
Christ, with his presens ! I can not speeke of itt in the 
least as it is, and I kno not who can comend it to the full ; 
only I dare not but bear my testimonie to it, tho weake 
and feckless. Weake (?)me for ever more of this despysed 
cros of Christ. He hes come, and ceased to begine to 
give me a returne of what I have some tymes sought from 
him. O that I could aske, that I could seek, that I could 
knocke ; for he will not lett me doubt bot that I shall re- 
ceave, that I shall find, that it shall be opened unto me. 
And yet how doe I fear my own weakness when I shall 
be put to sharper tryalles nor yet I have met with ? Bot 
what shall I say ? I know it is with the Lord to make his 
strength perfytt, even in my weakness. He knowes that 
I would faine be content, without a smoke [smock] or re- 
servation, to lay doune myselff and all that I can claime 
interest in, that is bot of hearaway moment, if he would 
be pleased to keep me faithfull in that which I have pro- 
fessed for him. O to be keeped faithfull in all the hous 
of God ! He who is the Wonderfull, the Co jnsellor, lead 
you safflie in the way that He shall chus. If it be not 
troublesome, dear Sir., lett me have a lyne from you. 
Pray for the prisoners of hope. The Spirit of God and 



164 



LETTER XLIX. 



of glorie rest upon you and yours. My kynd respectes to 
any of your relations with you ; and I am, dear Sir, your 
treuly affectionat servant. 

[Signature cut out.] 



LETTER XLIX, 

Lady Sophia Moray to Car stair es. 

Sir, — Your willingness to help any that's bot raenting 
to seek God, maks me hop it will be no troble that I de- 
syr to hear a word from you, sutable to on who is much 
born doun with discoragments, and whos povertie is often 
saying, I am not serving so rich and noble a Master as I 
know our Lord is. Nothing now can be mor weighting 
nor my insenseibleness of the condition of his people, 
which now luke veri sad, no ground of incouragement or 
hop being left us bot in our all-sufficient God, even the 
great Maister of the work ; and it is weill it is so, that he 
may be exalten in his own strength, and that we may sing 
and prais his frie mercis and power, which most and will 
accomplish his work, tho' for the present everything corns 
to be in such a confusion, that I must desyr your help to 
get thoughts som way answerable to the Lord's dealing 
with us. I am in som hast now, and can say no mor ; but 
desyre you to remember to the Lord her who is obliged 
to be, your most loving frind, willing to serve you, 

Sophia Lyndssay. 

Holirudhous, July 16. 



LADY ISOBELLA BOYD TO CARSTAIRES. 



1(35 



Lady Sophia is no worse then when my sister wret ; she 
earnestly desyrs to hear from yoiL 

For my worthie and much respected /rind, 
Mr John Car stair es. 

[Endorsed by Mr Mackay — " Duchess of R. or C. of Had. to Mr Jo. Car- 
stares ;" but, according to Lord Lindsay, who favoured the Editor with a 
note on the subject, this letter was written by Lady Sophia Moray, wife of 
Sir Robert Moray, founder of the Royal Society, and daughter to David 
Lord Balcarras.] 



LETTER L. 

Lady Isobella Boyd ( Pinkhill) to Carstaires. 

Sir, — Amongst the many rich testimonies of the Lord's 
frie love, leten out ever to me, (which I dar not but pro- 
fesse,) who am the most unworthie and worst of siners, I 
recken not this on of the least, that he is pleased to cause 
any of his take notice of me, so as to let me have such 
pertinent and seasonable words from them, which I desyr 
to acknowledge, that he may be praised who hes helped 
you so to doe. Ther is, indeed, many lessons to be goten 
hier everie day, but for my orofieting under all thir means 
I know not what to say. Bot I think I cannot find in 
myself so much as a right desyr to profit, for when I speak 
of desyrs or wishes (I would not be mistaken tothebeter) 
they are bot in me, even as other things, coldrift and dead ; 



166 LETTER L. 

yet all this, and much mor than I can express of the kind, 
does not hinder the Lord to goe on in his own way of frie 
love and gratious dealing, which is wonderfull, and so high 
up above the reach of my thoughtes, that I am easily made 
to suspect what he is doing with me, and yet his conde- 
scending is marvielous, sometyms even in a sensible maner. 
[Here the paper is torn for half a line] knows best, and it 
most magnifies the riches of his frie grace, to deal most 
gratiously with greatest sinners, which is exceeding sweet; 
but, alas ! short whyle keeped by a sinfull deceatfull heart 
that's bent to run away from God, and easily lets any 
thing of him be tane away from it, so that somtyms it dar 
scarse be said that ever such a thing was, which cannot 
bot be a great provocking and dishonouring of the Lord ; 
yet I know not well how to get it helped ; bot this, I must 
say, ther is cause of rejoycing in him evermor, and I 
think it wer good to be still praising ; bot coruption does 
so prevaile, that the fecklesest things in the world doe 
mor effect then the great things of God, tho' much pains 
has been tane to draw from the world, and I am sure 
never mor upon any in so fair a way, which I desyr 
to blisse his mercie for. Now I can add no mor ; and 
former experiences of your understanding what I wod a 
been at beter than myself, makes me the les cairfull how 
I writ to you ; but I fear I interupt you too much, bot I 
hop you will excuse it, and be still helpfull. Your ob- 
leged and afectionat friend, 

ISOBELL LYNDESAY. 

You will hier by Mr David how Lady Sophia is. I 
think a word from you wad be veri wellcom to her. My 



LADY 1S0BELLA BOYD TO CARSTAIRES. 



107 



sister remembers her love to you. She could not get writ- 
ten now. 

For my most worthie and much respected friend, 
Mr John Car stair es. 

At Holirudhouse, the 25th of Julie. 

[In the letter which the Editor had the honour to receive from Lord Lindsay, 
who perused the original of the above, he mentions that its writer was Lady 
Isobelle Boyd, wife of Boyd of Pinkhill in Perthshire, sister of Lady Sophia 
Moray. ] 



LETTER LI. 

The Same to the Same. 

Sir, — I am sorie that I should have been so long in 
hiering from you, bot dar not quarell you for it, because 
I think it was a favour so undeserved that ye writ to me 
at all ; only I must earnestly desyr thet— [paper torn for 
half a line] — bot let me hier from you with everie ocasion, 
for I hop it shall be service to your Maister in helping for- 
ward on that he hes been pleased to take notice of. 

If it wer not to conceale the loving-kyndnes of the 
Lord, I should be silent of my own case ; but, tho' I can 
say nothing to it, I desyr not to smoother the praises of my 
Lord, albeit I be weak in apprehending, yet he is frie and 
bountifull in bestowing the incomparable treasure of hea- 
ven, even him whose name is Wonderfull, Counseller, the 
Mightie God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of 
Peace ; and did ye know how vyle and unworthie ane on 



168 



LETTER LI. 



1668. 



this light of mercie is borne in upon, and holden forth to, 
you could not bot much wonder at the Lord's dispensa- 
tion ; for besyd that uncleannes of original corruption, 
which I fetched from the wombe, and the many fearfull 
transgressions of my iyf, on thing it pleases the Lord 
now to discover unto me, which befor was not knowen, at 
least never rightly nor effectually considered, and that is, 
the neglect and contempt of a. Saviour, and treading the 
path of formall duetie and lyfles work, not without vain 
thoughts and foolish hopes of gaining with God, by such 
a way, which now i perceive was but a forsaking him, who 
is the fountain of liveing waters, and digging unto myself 
broken cisterns that could hold no water ; and wold to 
God ther wir no more such in the land, bot that he wad 
mak known the misterie of the Gospell, even Jesus Chryst 
and him crusified, that he alone may be magnified, as 
our wisdom e, our righteousness, our sanctification — [here 
half a line of the paper is wasted] — the dead formalitie, 
wherein this land is drouned, tane away. I know ye have 
escaped this uncleannes of the spirit, and polution that is 
in the world, through the ignorance and unbelief of Jesus 
Chryst ; and I beseach you let me have your help to know 
him beter, and to win over this way I have stuck so long 
in ; and that the Lord wad not let you want a sensible 
proof of his mightie power that workes in all them that 
believe, is the desyre of your most obliged friend, to serve 
you, 

ISABELL LYNDESAY. 

Lady Sophia and my sister remembers their love to you. 
We are in hop to see you shortly hier, and if the expres- 



1688. 



TO CARSTAIRES. 



169 



sion of our desyr of it could prevail to hasten your corning 
any thing, ye should hear mor of it. 

For my most ivorthie and much respected friend, 
Mr John Car stair es. 

Abay, 30th September. 

[Endorsed by Professor Mackay — " Lady lsobel Lyndesay to Mr John Car- 
stares."] 



LETTER LII. 

to Car stair es. 

Much Honored in the Lord, — I have received yors, 
and as I cannot but acknowledge that the Lord hes made 
his mercie and goodness to follow me in a verie great 
measure, so I dare say befor him. If ye knew but the 
two thousandth part of what I know, ye wolde be made to 
wonder that ever I should be owned in lesse or more to be 
for him. . as to that of hearing which ye . at. I bless 
his name I am of the same mynd that ever formerlie I 
was therein, onlie the fainting of heart that I was under 
a whyl after my late imprisonment, had, with my other per- 
sonal infirmities, no small influence on my being so remisse 
therein ; but having fallen to speak of this subject, I con- 
ceit it meet to acquaint you a little with our case in refer- 
ence thereunto. It's dayly more and more obvious how 
free the generalise of the haill people are to relinquish 
the curats, (and this cannot be looked on but as a wonder- 
full speaking evidence of the Lord's mercie to us.) and 



170 



LETTER LII. 



yet are sadlie inveiglit, whill they are put to such an uncer- 
taintie, where they shal go to hear sermon on the Sabbath, 
[sermon] not being to be had, ordinarilie at most, in all the 
town two dayes in one place ; and then, their being put 
frae accesse to any accomadation in the place of hearing, 
but be the contrar, exposed to thronging and the lyke, 
which is meikle to weak folks and children. There is 
this also in the case, that our provest having been informed 
that Mr Ralph 3, was to com in, at the first word, did offer 
he should have Hutcheson's Hospital to preach in, which 
we cannot so much as seek in the behalf of any other, till 
once he come and gett possession thereof. But then the 
great lykliehud there is of those who preach heer ar ge- 
neral i to leav us and go to there . . . charges ; and 
there being but few persons on whom we can have our 
eyes, to invit for helpers to Mr Ralph, whom we fear shall 
be taken out of our hands, if there be not hast made to 
prevent it, which we see not weel how to help, except that 
we had both you and Mr Ralph to go along with us there- 
in. Hence, there appears a very pressing necessitie lying 
upon you and Mr Ralph both to come here without delay 
for taking course in this particular, as ye wold not . . 
that we should be in trouble ... in some thing which 
may thereafter occasion sad thochts of heart. 

Besyd, our not being fixt in knowing any constant 
preachers has occasionit that there is nothing doon as to 
provyding houses for preaching therein. There is en- 
couragement to be had to com som considerable lenth, if 
we had but a ryse given thereto by Mr Ralph's coming 
hither. For your own case, dear Sir, suppose we can 

- 

* Mr Ralph Rogrrs, it is presumed. 



TO CARSTAIRES. 



171 



hardlie conceit that any heer can signifie rewards — yet, 
obtaining of your freedom, ye may be persuadit. The 
people are so desirous for your companie, that I know no- 
thing that is in our power they wolde be awanting in, if 
they but knew it ; and, therefore, doe most earnestly be- 
seech you to set your friends on work, and let them but 
show us heer what they conceit we can be useful to you 
therein. And for the papers that we were speaking toge- 
ther of, I know no fitter hand to put them in nor ther own, 
which ye may have when ye please, There is a report 
heer, come from Hamilton this day, that there should be 
universal (?) indulgence comeing down fra Court, to be by 
the President. But, however, sevaral of your friends heer 
are verie confident that ye micht be openlie in this place, 
without hazard, yet I leave that ; onlie I hop ye hav no 
doubt but ye must be quyetlie heer, and I am sure our 
case calls for it verie much. I shall say no more, but my 
best respects to your wyff and children. I rest, Sir, your 
brother and servand in the Lord. .... 

[Signature torn off.] 
[Date torn off ; nothing remaining but " 19."] 

For the Richt Reverend Mr Johne Car stair es, 
Minister of the Gospel, 
these. 

[This letter probably written after all the rest. It is an invitation to Mr Car- 
staires to go and preach in Glasgow. The hand is a beautiful one, but the 
letter is full of contracted words. The seal has merely three arrows on it.] 



172 



DYING SPEECH. 



A DYING SPEECH, IN A HAND VERY LIKE TO THAT OF 
ROBERT M'WARD, BUT NOT HIS. 

Heaving receaved such a saye as I have got, and hav- 
ing got so short time, it cannot be expected from me, in 
reasone, that 1 can saye much ; (onlie for my vindicatione, 
and for the vindicatione of my religione,) I do testify and 
declair, in the sight of the Omniscient God, and as I 
hope for mercie in the daye of Christ's appearance, that 
I was never conscious to any conspyracy against the lyfe 
of his sacreid Majestic, or the lyfe of his Royal High- 
ness the Duke of Albany and York, nor the lyfe of any 
other person whatsomever. That 1 was never conscious 
to any plot, in ather of the nationes, for the overthrowe 
and subversione of the government ; and that I desygned 
nothinge in all my publicke appearances, which have bein 
few, (bot the preservatione of the Protestant religione, 
the safetie of his Majestie's persone, the continuatione 
of our antient government, upon the foundationes of jus- 
tice and righteousness, the redressing of our just griev- 
ances by King and Parliament, the relieiving of the op- 
pressed, and of putting ane stope to the shedding of 
blood.) As to my principles, in relatione to government, 
they are such as I ought not to be ashamed of, being 
consonant to the Word of God, to the Confessione of 
Faith of the Reformed Churches, to the reulls of policie, 
reasone, and humaintie. I did, as a member of the Church 
of Scotland, as it wer, constitute in its best and purest 
tyme, under Presbyterie ; judging that forme of govern- 
ment most conducing to pietie and godliness, and most 



DYING SPEECH. 173 

sutable for this natione, I did, as a hatter of Popish idol- 
atrie and superstitione ; the fervent zeall I had against 
Poperie, and for the preservatione of the Protestant re- 
ligione in this natione, hath brought me to this conditione. 
I am verie apprehensive Popish idolatrie will be the 
plague of Scotland. God open the eyes of his people, 
to behold the hazard they are in of Popery. It seems 
the generatione is fitted for it, and all the engynes of hell 
have been made use of to debosh the consciences of 
people, that they may be fitted for idolatrie and super- 
stitione. Then compelled to take contradictorie oathes, 
that they may beleive thinges that have a contradictione 
in them. I know I will not be allowed to speak what I 
wold, and, therefore, I will say little. I blis God this 
day that I know in whom I have beleived ; to whom I 
have committed my soull, as unto a faithfull keeper. That 
I know I am going to my God, who is the portione and 
chief joye of my soull. My soull blesseth God, and re- 
joiseth in him, that death cannot separat betwixt me and 
my God. I leive my wyfe and children upon the com- 
passion at and mercifull heart of my God, having manie 
reiterated assurances that God will be my God, and the 
God and portione of myne. I blis and adore my God, 
that death for a long tyme hath bein no terror to me, but 
rather much desyred ; and that my blessed Jesus hath 
taken the sting out of death, and mad the grave a bed 
of rest to all that have laid hold on him by fath, which 
worketh by love. My soul bleeds for the deplorable con- 
ditione of the Church of Scotland. Wee are losing the 
Gospel, having fallin from our first love and zeall ; and,, 
therefore, God is threatening to spew us out of his mouth. 
Oh, that my blood could contribuit in the least to enable 



174 



DYING SPEECH. 



this remnant to do their first works, and might contribute 
in the least to establish any of his in the wayes of holi- 
ness and righteousness ! I have had shearp sufferings for 
a considerable tyme, and yet, I must say, to the com- 
mendatione of the grace of God, my suffering tyme lies 
bein the best tyme ; and when my suffering hes been 
sharpest, my spirituall joyes and consolationes have bein 
greatest. Let none be afrayed of the cross of Christ, — 
his crosse is our greatest glorie. All that love God in 
sinceritie prepare for the hardest sufferings, for fyre and 
gibbets. The aversation that is in all to the cross of 
Christ is the bane of our professors. I am much afrayed 
that Christ will be put to open shame in Scotland, and 
will be crucified afresh, and his precious blood accompted 
unholy and poluted ; and that Christ in his members may 
be buried for a whyle in the natione. Yet I have good 
ground of hope to beleive that the Sunne of Righteousness 
will again shyne ? with haling under his wings. O that 
God wold awake his remnant, whyle it is the day, that 
they may consider what belonges to ther peace ! Woe 
be to them that are instrumental to banish Christ out of 
the land ! and blessed are they who are instrumental!, by 
a Gospel conversatione, and a continuall wrestling with 
God, to keep Christ in the natione, He is the glorie of 
a land, and if we could but beleive him he could not 
part with us. Woe be to them that wold rather banish 
Christ out of the land then love him ! God pour out his 
Spirit plenteouslie upon the poor remnant, that they may 
give God no rest till he make his Jerusalem the joy and 
praise of the whooll earth. I have no more tyme. I 
hope they who love God have mynded me in my afflic- 
tione, and doeth mynd me now, and will mynd my wyfe 



DYING SPEECH. 



175 



and childrine. I goe with joy to him who is the joy and 
bridgroome of my soull — to him who is the Saviour and 
Redeemer of my soull. T goe with rejoysing to the God 
of my lyfe — to my portione and inheritance — to the hus- 
band of my soull. Come, Lord Jesus, come quicklie ! 

[It has neither date nor address, and is docquetted " Dying Speech."J 



FINIS* 



tni.VBCRGIl PRINTING CO.MPAHY, 12, SOUTH ST DA VI D SIR). K7, 



VII A f^/.^ ^ U_ . 

ERRATA. 



Page 5, line 6, «6 imo, instead of a semicolon put a comma 
after "appear," and also a comma after 
" discovered." 

— 17, — 2 from top, read Resolutioner for " Revolutioner. " 

— 28, — 2 from top, read Jazer/or " Jazen." 

— 35,-6 from top, read confesses for " professes." 

>>' ~ /$ ^^> 

/6/ . ^ ^ 



HE 



ficar of Dun- 
Claneboy. 



•staires, 
1 Churcl 
st son 



j er, mei 
dara, ai 
Jonserv 
sh Priv 

J vere. 



mi- 

the 



i, who 
50 far 



William Dunlop, Pro- 
fessor of Divinity 
in Edinburgh Col- 
lege. 



I 



ad Hon. Patrick 
e, brother of Earl 
lasgow, (John.) 



— =Profes 



^ Lord Jus- 
And andLord 

Court of 

e married, 
families. 



Helen. — Thomas Mure of 
Warriston. 



Eliza. : 



John R. Smollet, 
Esq. of Bonhill. 



drs Cook ; 
M'Nair. ] 
have fami 



C. Dunlop, 
d others. 



Patrick B. Mure M'Redie, 
mar. Rachel M'Redie of 
Pierceton ; and others. 



Alex., M.P. 
and others. 



Issue. 



Walter 
marrieC 
familie: 
est son 
lately t 
of Sir Ji 



/ 



i 

s4 n 



A TABLE OF THIS DESCENDANTS OF THE FATHER AND MOTHER OF THE REV. JOHN CARSTAI 

COMPOSED FROM ST ANDREWS RECORDS AND AN OLD GENEALOGICAL TREE FN THE POSSESSION OP TUB EDITOR. 




"5235 



I 

A GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF THE FAMILY* 

COMPOSED FROM A TABLE IN THE POSSESSION OF HON. MRS C. B 

RETOURS OF 



John Carstaires 
St And: 




Thomas Carstaires, married 
Elspet Young. They lived 
at Byrehills, and it is sup- 
posed he was the uncle 
whose letter is to be found 
in this volume. 



John, born 
1640. 



James, born 
1643. 



Janet, married John 
Lepar, Provost of 
St Andrews. 



Several 
Paiighters 



Kate, married Wil- 
liam Sandilands of 
St Monance, 



Sir .John Carstaires, 
\Knightj(of Kilconquharj 



Dan 



Had issue, Ec?h. 
William, Mar- 
garet, &c. 



John, eldest Thomas, Willia 

son, de- second son, Captai 

ranged, and deranged, third sc 
cognosced. and cog- 
nosced. 



Sir John C 
of Kilconqu 
son of the a' 



James Bruce Carstaires ^Christian We 

„„. doiinrhtpr OT 



of Kinross. 



daughter of 
Wedderburn 
of Gosford a 
ran. 



John. 



Peter. William. James. Alexander. 



James Bruce Carstaires, =f= Mary Guilt. a 
a foreigner 



named after his deceased 
brother, and Laird of Til- 
licoultry. 



James Carstaires Bruce =Hon. Eliza Cecilia Ro 



of Balchrystie. According 
to bis quarterings, should 
have called himself James 
Bruce Carstaires. 



fourth daughter of Jt 
seventh Lord Rollo. 



No Issue. The Estates sold, 
and the Name extinct. 



f CARSTAIRES OF KILCONQUHAR HOUSE. 



CE, FROM THE ST ANDREWS SESSION-BOOKS, AND FROM THE 
[ANCERY. 



. of Newgrange, 



I 



gnes Mur. James, married Christian 
f Blackba- Brydie. He was bai- 
V lie of St Andrews, 

where is his tomb, 
i 



A Daughter. 



Mr James Carstaires, 
resident in St An- 
drews. 



Daughters, 

Isabel, 
Anve, &c. 



John, only son, 
died young. 



Rev. John Car- 
staires, mini- 
ster of Glas- 
gow, married 
Janet Mure of 
Glanderston. 



Katherine, James 
Mrs Wood. 



iires Dame Ann Bruce, only' daugh-^p; Sir Thomas Hope, 

Bart, of Craisrhall. 



only 



ter of Sir William Bruce, Bart, 
of Kinross, and a daughter of 
Sir James Halkett of Pitferran. 
Had two brothers, Sir William 
and Sir John; the first died 
unmarried, the second had no 
family. 



-BURN, 

Peter 
alkett, 
>itfer- 



Sir Thomas Sir John Hope=Charlotte, Third Son. 



Hope, died 
unmarried. 



Bruce, mar- daughter of 



ried, first, to 

Marianne 
Dawson, and 
father, by her, 
to Mrs Bruce 
of Arnot. 



Sir Charles 
Halkett. 



Charlotte. Grizel. Janet. 



Christian. 



Three Sons 
all died un 
married. 



I 

William, 



TABLE OF THE DESCENDANTS 01 



MADE ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO, BY PROFESSOR MACKA^ 



Jean Blair, 
daughter to L. Blair of Gl 1 
married Sept. 6, 1605. 



"William Mi 
died: I 



Jean, 
d. 1606 



Ursula, Lady Ralston, 
b. March 8, 1615. 



Ralston. 



Jean, Lady Halcrai^ 
b. Feb. 2. 1616. 



Lord Halcraig. 



Lady Gordon, &c. 



Sir John Gordon. 



Margaret, Mrs Durham, 
b. Aug. 26, 1618. 



^William Mure, Esq. — Eu 



of Glanderston, 
b. Nov. 1619. 



daugt 
marl 



Jean, Lady Dowhill, Elizabi 
b. Dec. 1, 1647. 



W 



II. 



[WILLIAM MURE OF GLANDERSTON, 



)F EDINBURGH, AND NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE EDITOR. 



of Glanderstcm, = Jean Hamilton, 

. 26, 1646. sister to Lord Viscount Claneboy, 

mar. July 1, 1613 ; died Oct. 1648. 



I 1 



aia Mure, James, , 

,o Caldwell, b. Aug. 1621. 
>, 1647. 



Janet, Mrs Carstaires, 
b. Feb. 25, 1625. 



Mr Carstaires, 
b. Jan. 1649. 



Bessie, Mrs Dunlop, 
b. May 19, 1627. 



Professor Dunlop, 
b. 1654. 



Agnes, Lady Quarrelton, 
b. Nov. 1629. 



,ady Eartwood, William, of Glanderston, Robert, Barbara., 

ee. 1650. b. April 24, 1654. b. Jan. 15, 1656. b. Feb. 13, 1657. 



l Stewart of 
rtwood, 



Gavin Mure. 



James, 
b. May 5, 1658. 



William Mure, &c. 
of Caldwell. 



William Mure. 



Abigail, = Alex. Dunlop, ==Eliz. Stewart 



James, John, Alex. Dunlop, 
&c. &c. 



for, 11 




A 4 







I 



n i 1 



: - 




• 0' v « 



,0 o 



1 , 



© o 



